As bowel cancer sees rising incidences among younger people, medical experts stress awareness of five ‘silent’ symptoms that often go unnoticed. According to Dr. Jack Ogden of The Lagom Clinic, these symptoms typically do not cause pain but hint at underlying malignancy.
Iron deficiency anemia manifests as fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, and sometimes chest discomfort. It occurs due to blood loss from bleeding tumors, disrupting the body’s iron supply.
Changes in stool pattern, including diarrhea, constipation, or unusually narrow stools, can result from tumors partially blocking the bowel. Chronic shifts in bowel habits should prompt evaluation even if not accompanied by pain.
Unexplained weight loss may signal malignancy, particularly when not linked to lifestyle alterations. Tumor-induced appetite loss and impaired nutrient absorption contribute to this symptom.
Persistent abdominal bloating, cramps, or early satiety also raise suspicion, signifying possible bowel obstruction or inflammation.
Lastly, blood in stool—dark or bright red—can result from tumor bleeding. While bright red blood might be linked to hemorrhoids, darker blood is more concerning.
Understanding and acting upon these silent signs is vital for early diagnosis and effective treatment of bowel cancer.
