How it all began
Going all the way back to the summer of 2020, to where it all began.
Six months into a new job and getting a great review after my induction period. Within a month there was a little pain in the ole tummy region which I did what all men would do. Ignore it and took some Gaviscon and have an early night. The story took a change after a routine blood test which highlighted anaemia. Here is a day-by-day, then month-by-month update.
Listen to your body - its talking in its own way.
The symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can include:
bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo
a change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation
a lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen), more commonly on the right side
a feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels
losing weight
pain in your abdomen or back passage
tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)
Other signs of Bowel Cancer.
Sometimes cancer can block the bowel. This is called a bowel obstruction. The symptoms include:
cramping pains in the abdomen
feeling bloated
constipation and being unable to pass wind
being sick
A bowel obstruction is an emergency. You should see your doctor quickly or go to A&E at your nearest hospital if you think you have a bowel obstruction.