“If my father had an advanced adenoma, I should know about it, because that would mean that I would need to be screened at least five or 10 years earlier than the screening age, because that history is as strong as if you would have had a cancer.
“Please don’t be shy to let them know.”
“If you don’t mind, tell them that this is what I have, and I think that’s going to impact on your age for screening,” he said.
Discussing the increase in cases among younger age groups, he acknowledged: “Actually, the data is quite shocking.
“You’ll be surprised to hear, in the under 50s, women are getting colorectal cancer at an enhanced rate as compared to men.
“It’s actually flipped the rate … so it’s a frightening statistic, but unfortunately, in the younger age group, women are getting colorectal cancer more than men.”
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
According to the NHS, the following symptoms may indicate colon cancer:
- Changes in your pooing habits
- Blood in your poo (may look red or black)
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Feeling like you need to poo even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason
If you experience any of these symptoms and need confidential support, reach out to Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line at 0808 808 00 00. Their team is available from 8 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week.
