Bowel cancer symptoms explained as 'fit and healthy' woman, 39, is told why it's happening to people like her
Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
Here are the symptoms of bowel cancer as a 39-year-old health and fitness coach opens up about her stage two diagnosis.
Bowel cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK, behind lung cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are said to be 16,800 bowel cancer deaths in the UK every year.
What is bowel cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.
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"How serious bowel cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if the cancer has spread, and your general health." the NHS states.
Bowel Cancer UK reports that roughly 44,000 Brits are diagnosed with the disease every year, and the number of cases is increasing amongst adults between 20 and 50 years old.
Danni Duncan, a fitness coach from Australia, was left stunned when she received her bowel cancer diagnosis.
Danni Duncan's story
Before she went for a colonoscopy, the mum from Melbourne said that she started experiencing episodes of dizziness and exhaustion, as well as 'really bad bloating', adding that she'd initially dismissed her concerns.
When she got her results, however, the doctor told her there was a 2cm malignant tumour at the top of her bowel.
When it comes to stage two bowel cancer, roughly 85 per cent of people are expected to survive for five years or more after the diagnosis.
And the diagnosis came as quite a shock to Danni, who told her followers on her Instagram page @thefigure_): "I am the freaking healthiest person I know, I do more things for my health than anyone I know.
"It's not genetic, it's obviously not lifestyle. The last four years I have eaten 80-90 per cent whole foods, we use non toxic products at home, I don't drink much alcohol, exercise every day and eat a high fibre diet."
She also revealed that her surgeon had given her a possible explanation as to why she might have developed the condition.
What Danni's doctor told her
Danni explained: "Bowel cancer takes 15 to 20 years to grow, from when it's first cell. Well, I was born in 1985. When I was in the surgeon's appointment on Monday, he said something so interesting."
According to the fitness coach, her surgeon suggested that things such as 'chemicals in your foods, carcinogens through red meat, burnt, barbecued, bacon, ham' could be a factor in an increased risk of bowel cancer.
She added: "They are environmental factors which we got exposed to in the 90s and we didn't know the long-term effects until now'."
Macmillan says that factors such as diet, weight and age can all be likely risk increases of bowel cancer; however, the exact cause is still unknown.
Danni recently underwent surgery to remove the tumour and said she is 'awaiting a call from my surgeon to confirm what stage we're at which is the worst part'.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
· Changes in your pooing habits
· 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 are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you book an appointment with your GP, where you'll be asked questions about yours and your family's medical history, as well as undergoing a rectal examination.
You may also be referred to a specialist if the GP suspects there could be a possibility of cancer, however, the NHS stresses that this doesn't mean you definitely have cancer.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Anish Vij