Bowel Cancer 'Kills One European Adult Every Three Minutes' - How To Spot The Symptoms
What Is Europe's Second Biggest Cancer Killer?
The Huffington Post UK
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One adult dies every three minutes from colorectal cancer (also known as bowel cancer) in Europe, making it the continent's second biggest cancer killer, according to gastroenterology experts United European Gastroenterology (UEG).
And the figures are expected to rise over the next few years. By 2020 colorectal cancer is estimated to claim the lives of 214,675 and affect 502,000 Europeans each year, claims UEG.
As part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, UEG is launching a new awareness campaign, ‘Screening Saves Lives’, urging all European men and women over 50 to talk to a healthcare professional, familiarise with symptoms and undertake screening for colorectal cancer.
While bowel cancer may be lethal in its advanced stages, early detection can result in a 90-95% survival rate.
We spoke to colorectal cancer specialist Professor Jaroslaw Regula to get some key signs to look out for.
Early signs of colorectal cancer often do not exist.(01 of07)
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That’s why regular screening is important for men and women over the age of 50. Over 90% of cases diagnosed at the earliest stage are successfully treated. (credit:Getty)
Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your stools(02 of07)
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Bright red blood covering your faeces is often due to other causes such as piles (haemorrhoids). Bleeding from your rectum can be a sign of early-stage colorectal cancer. Blood from higher up in the bowel doesn't look bright red and can have a black, tar-like appearance or dark red colour. This type of bleeding can be a sign of a cancer higher up the bowel. (credit:Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
A change in bowel habits(03 of07)
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Persistent changes that last for more than three weeks can be a symptom, including diarrhoea, constipation and passing stools frequently. If you have had constipation for many years and suddenly start to experience normal, everyday frequency, this also constitutes a change in bowel habits and may be a colorectal cancer symptom. (credit:Steve Wisbauer via Getty Images)
Abdominal pain (04 of07)
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Abdominal pain is a very frequent symptom of many conditions and diseases unconnected to cancer. Advanced cancer can block the bowel and cause an obstruction that in turn can cause griping abdominal pains, a persistent bloated feeling and even being sick. (credit:Media for Medical via Getty Images)
A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or abdomen (05 of07)
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This is more commonly found on the right side (credit:Media for Medical via Getty Images)
Unexplained tiredness (06 of07)
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Because bowel tumours can bleed, cancer of the bowel often causes a shortage of red blood cells. This is called anaemia and may cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. (credit:Getty)
Unexplained weight loss(07 of07)
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If you haven’t been trying to lose weight and you notice that your weight has unexpectedly diminished, this may also be a sign of cancer. (credit:Freudenthal Verhagen via Getty Images)
For more information on the effect of colorectal cancer in Europe, see the infographic below...