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Six Warning Signs Of Bowel Cancer Revealed
It's one of the deadliest cancers, killing nearly 80,000 people in the UK and US per year.
Yet, like with most tumours, not everyone knows the tell-tale symptoms.
Experts say the lack of awareness can scupper survival rates, with early diagnosis key for beating the disease.
Here, MailOnline highlights the warning signs of bowel cancer so you know when to speak to a professional.
Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss a s a result of these symptoms
BleedingFinding blood in your poo can be alarming.
Bright red blood — indicating that it's fresh — can be caused by piles.
But drops of blood in your stool can also be caused by non-cancerous growths known as polyps, according to Bowel Cancer UK.
However, dark or black blood may be a sign of cancer, Cancer Research says.
This is because bowel tumours, usually located higher up in the digestive tract, can trigger bleeding internally.
Anyone experiencing blood in their poo should consult their doctor to find out what is causing it.
Screening programmes also check for hidden blood in poo and also polyps as these can develop into cancer.
Change in bowel habitChanges in your usual bowel habits could also be a potential warning sign of bowel cancer.
It could be as simple as needing to go to the toilet more often or feeling as though you are not fully emptying your bowels.
'One potential indicator of bowel cancer is any significant change in your pooing habits – which can vary from person to person', says colorectal surgeon James Kinross, of King Edward VII Hospital in London.
He added: 'For example, pooing more often than normal, or having looser, runnier stools.
'This would be more likely related to an external factor such as stress, eating more fibre or a change in diet, but it's worth getting yourself checked if the problem persists.'
This change in habit can be caused by the presence of a tumour causing partial obstruction in the bowel and constipation.
It can also cause diarrhoea if the tumour leaks fluid into your bowels.
The change could happen for no obvious reason and if it lasts for longer than three weeks, you should get it checked by your GP, Macmillan says.
Weight lossAlthough an uncommon sign of bowel cancer, unexplained weight loss is still one to look out for and mention to your GP.
This symptom can be due to a tumour making you feel sick or bloated, says Bowel Cancer UK.
A tumour can also block the bowel, which can cause pain in the stomach putting you off eating, explains the charity.
Dr Kinross said: 'Abdominal pain can have a wide range of causes from muscle fatigue to period pains.
'But it can also be a sign of bowel cancer.
'Discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating — which can lead you to eat less, and in turn lose weight — is something that needs to be assessed by a medical professional.'
TirednessBowel cancer can make you feel tired.
This can be down to the tumour bleeding internally, which can develop into anaemia — when there is a lack of red blood cells in the body.
You may feel very tired and have pale skin due as a knock-on effect.
Anaemia can also cause dizziness and breathlessness, according to Macmillan.
Tumours often develop into masses that can be felt. Your doctor may be able to feel the lump, which is more commonly found on your right side, says Cancer Research UK
Pain or lumpA lump or pain in your stomach area or back passage is a warning sign of a tumour in the bowel.
Your doctor may be able to feel the lump, which is more commonly found on your right side, says Cancer Research UK.
It may make you feel like you need to strain, even after opening your bowels.
Dr Kinross said: 'Though this is likely to be benign, it may indicate a malignant growth.'
You should visit your GP if these symptoms do not go away, especially if it is affecting how you are eating and sleeping, says Bowel Cancer UK.
Bowel obstructionPain, bloating and feeling sick can sometimes be caused by a bowel obstruction, such as a tumour.
Cancer Research UK warned that people who have this symptom should visit their GP straight away or go to A&E.
It is usually a sign the cancer has advanced.
It can happen when a tumour puts pressure on the bowel, or grows into the nerve supply and damages it.
'Early detection is one of the best ways to increase your chances of surviving from bowel cancer,' says Dr Kinross.
He added: 'And though talking about your poo – or bowel habits – may seem embarrassing, doctors are there to listen confidentially and without judgement.
'Talking to them will allow them to run the necessary tests and treat you as quickly and efficiently as possible.'
COLON CANCER: WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?Bowel, or colorectal, cancer affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.
Such tumors usually develop from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps.
Symptoms include:
Most cases have no clear cause, however, people are more at risk if they:
Treatment usually involves surgery, and chemo- and radiotherapy.
More than nine out of ten people with stage 1 bowel cancer survive five years or more after their diagnosis.
Unfortunately, only around a third of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this early stage.
The majority of people come to the doctor when the disease has spread beyond the wall of the colon or rectum or to distant parts of the body, which decreasing the chance of being successfully cured of colon cancer.
According to Bowel Cancer UK figures, more than 41,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.
It affects around 40 per 100,000 adults per year in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute.
3 Signs That Are Totally Compatible With Cancer—And 3 That Most Definitely Aren't
Cancer is a water sign ruled by the moon, and key among the many Cancer traits are their sensitivity and family-orientedness. "The zodiac quality of Cancer is cardinal," says Emily Newman, psychic reader, spiritual healer, counselor, and astrologer at The Best of Psychic Reader. "Cancer is devoted, protective, wise, diligent, dependable, and compassionate." However, as with all zodiac signs, the crab has a dark side. "Cancer can also be extremely sensitive, irritable, and vindictive," says Newman. Typically, who Cancer are compatible with will be able to enhance the good characteristics and balance the more challenging aspects of the sign. Key Cancer TraitsCancer (June 21 to July 22) is the fourth sign of the zodiac. They are represented by the crab, an oceanic crustacean that's known to have a hard-shell exterior. Much like its mascot, Cancer might come off as shy or closed off at first. Once they open up though, you'll find that hidden beneath their protective shells are deeply emotional, sensitive, and intuitive individuals.
"They are often in tune with others' feelings and vibes," according to Rachel Lang, professional astrologer, psychic medium, and author of Modern Day Magic, in a previous interview with Well+Good. "Because of this, they tend to be the ones who take care of others, nurture relationships, and feel deeply committed to their family and friends."
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Indeed, it will take time and effort for Cancer to open up, but you might find that it's well worth the wait—once a Cancer loves, they're in it for the long term. Devoted as they are to loved ones, Cancer's shadow side is that they can be selfless to the point of self-sacrifice. When they neglect themselves, they can become moody and withdrawn.
In addition, Cancer often becomes passive aggressive when hurt, which can make it hard to communicate efficiently and quickly with others who may not realize that they're upset, too. As they are not one wont to easily let go, they can also often hold onto negative past experiences. At their lowest, their sensitivity and grudge-holding attitude can be cumbersome for the health and maintenance of relationships long-term.
Cancer Compatibility in RelationshipsThe zodiac signs who are compatible with Cancer will tend to be more compassionate, patient, and understanding, and they'll need to have more tolerance for petty disputes and more acknowledgment of Cancer's extremities in sensitivity and feelings.
Typically, fellow water signs, Pisces and Scorpio, are inherently compatible with Cancer. They can reflect and understand Cancer's emotional waves and allow space for Cancer's heartfelt self-expression. Earth signs, such as Virgo and Taurus, can also make a worthy companion for Cancer. Their grounded practicality can counterbalance Cancer's emotional sensitivity, and vice-versa.According to Lang in a previous interview with Well+Good, Capricorn is also an ideal match for Cancer, though they are opposite zodiac signs.
Cancer and Aries CompatibilityAries is a fire sign, and they often have an intense physical chemistry with Cancer, but fail to connect emotionally and mentally in order for the signs to be compatible long-term. "Aries do not prefer too much emotional behavior like that of Cancer, and when both partners are faced with a challenge, Aries likes to battle and win, whilst Cancer prefers to hide," says Newman.
What's more, both have opposing views on life, which can make goal-setting and planning for the future difficult and unrealistic. "Cancer does not like Aries's daring and overly rational behavior, and as a result, they are not an ideal fit," says Newman.
Cancer and Taurus CompatibilityLike Cancer, Taurus places high significance on relationships, as the zodiac sign is ruled by Venus, planet of love and affection. "They have similar traits in this realm: loyal, loving, wise, emotional, and homely," says Newman, which they'll show for each other when in a mutually loving and harmonious partnership. (Which comes more naturally for both when paired together!)
According to Newman, Cancer is an ambivert, and Taurus is an introvert, and together, they find it easier to root for each other's successes as a team. There's one red flag to watch out for, though. "Taurus' possessive tendency, on the other hand, can be a concern for Cancer," says Newman. "Otherwise, both have great chemistry." Good communication and trust can counteract this.
Cancer and Gemini CompatibilityGemini is an air sign, and as one of the most social signs of the zodiac, they crave more lightheartedness and less emotional intensity. "Geminis are chatty, intelligent, charismatic, and daring, and Cancer is stable and prefers to stay at home," says Newman, with those born on the Gemini-Cancer cusp skewing on the more sensitive side. The different preferences in lifestyle and how to spend time, such as on weekends, can cause friction in their relationship.
"Gemini can appreciate Cancer's honesty and reliability, but it cannot accept excessively sensitive behavior," says Newman. "On the other hand, Gemini is temperamental and has a split personality, which confuses Cancer," she says. Ultimately, though, Cancer may feel that Gemini ignores their feelings, whereas Gemini might find Cancer to be too boring and uninteresting as a partner.
Cancer and Cancer CompatibilityTwo Cancers will have a cozy partnership, says Tenae Stewart, astrologer, spiritual coach, and author of The Modern Witch's Guide to Magickal Self-Care. They innately understand each other and want the same things in life. For instance, "they'll want to stay in and build a home together and really connect in an intimate way," Stewart says.
One tradeoff: When you have two Cancers who are constantly wading in their emotions, they can become waterlogged. "On the one hand, they can really see each other's emotional sensitivity and depth, but then they're always in that space of emotional processing instead of going out and living their lives," she says.
Cancer and Leo CompatibilityBoth Cancer and Leo are loyal and devoted to their loved ones, but they differ in personality and priorities. Cancer is emotional and sensitive while Leo is passionate, though at times, stubborn and set in their ways. What's more, "Leos are sensible and enjoy trying new things, whereas Cancer is conventional in thinking and in matters of relationships," Newman previously told Well+Good. (Those born on the Cancer-Leo cusp, though, might exude more uncertainty than pure lions.)
Regardless, their opposing personalities can make for a tumultuous relationship; Cancer might be too emotionally sensitive for Leo, whereas Leo might come across as self-indulgent to Cancer. However, if they learn to understand each other's differences, they can build a relationship of mutual trust and respect.
Cancer and Virgo CompatibilityVirgo is an earth sign that can make an ideal match for Cancer. Organized, detail-oriented, and particular, Virgo can help Cancer with practicalities, whereas sensitive Cancer can help Virgo tap into their emotions. Both are caring and sensitive, so they can nurture each other and effectively communicate their needs. If anything, Virgo can be a straight-shooter, and they might come off as insensitive to Cancer, who thinks more with their heart.
They can also make for a power couple, which is largely owed to their complementary astrological elements, water and earth. "Cancer may teach Virgo how to plan for the future," Newman told Well+Good, and career-oriented Virgo can help bring this future into fruition. Regardless, "They're both equally determined to make their big-picture ambitions a reality and to take charge and work hard until they succeed," she says.
Cancer and Libra CompatibilityCancer and Libra both have a penchant for romance that want lasting relationships. They're also both cardinal signs with reputations for being self-starters. While they share similarities that can make for a fulfilling partnership, they have different approaches to love that can cause challenges in their relationship. Libras require emotional distance to thrive, whereas Cancers seek deep connections and can be clingy with their partners.
Cancer can also be prone to mood swings, and Libras might not take well to their hasty emotional shifts. Newman told Well+Good: "Cancer is too sensitive and can not understand the good motive, like Libra does, and sometimes becomes too anxious and judgmental for Libra's taste."
Cancer and Scorpio CompatibilityCancer and Scorpio are two water signs, and Scorpio shares many of Cancer's characteristics: They're both loyal, truthful, and emotionally aware. "They are innately sensitive and both help each other to nurture," says Newman. However, "Scorpio enjoys gossip, and Cancer dislikes it, which might lead to friction, although it is seldom a major issue," says Newman.
Lastly, both are guarded and don't open up and trust too easily, so they'll need to let each other in first in order to love and trust one another. "Scorpio must first earn a place in Cancer's heart, which might be challenging because Cancer does not trust easily," says Newman. (And visa versa.) "However, once a bond is established, it lasts longer," she says.
Cancer and Sagittarius CompatibilitySagittarius is a mutable air sign that is born to explore. This makes the zodiac sign a challenging partner for the Cancer, a comfort-loving homebody. The archer's desire to roam can rub Cancer the wrong way. "They dislike Sagittarius's gregarious and adventurous character and instead value family most, and so they frequently expect their spouse to spend time with them," Newman told Well+Good.
When Sagittarius is chasing their next adventure, Cancer may question Sagittarius's sincerity and feelings for them, and on the other hand, Sagittarius may feel suffocated by Cancer. If they can openly communicate their needs, the crab and archer can work despite their differences.
Cancer and Capricorn CompatibilityCapricorn and Cancer might seem an unlikely pair from the offset. Cancer is deeply sensitive, while Capricorn is logical—sometimes overly so—which can lead to miscommunication between them. However, both zodiac signs have the potential to balance out each other's differences, and when they do, they can fulfill one other's needs.
"Capricorns guarantee that their partner's life is stable and secure, and Capricorn's greatest soulmate is Cancer, who gives comfort and care to their relationship," Newman told Well+Gold. "Together, these two signs form a lasting and harmonious partnership. And while there is potential for miscommunication, both signs are mature enough to deal with it in order to help make it work."
Cancer and Aquarius CompatibilityAquarius is an air sign and appreciates freedom and socializing, whereas Cancer is more of a homebody. "Cancer prefers to spend time with a spouse over other individuals, and Cancer is more overly emotional, whereas Aquarius is more analytical in decision-making," says Newman. So, there's a difference in the signs' natural way of thinking and feeling, where emotions are felt and choices are made in mismatched ways.
Aquarius might be impatient and unable to grasp and understand Cancer's feelings, as well as handle them. Cancer might be too needy and attached for Aquarius' liking and be more argumentative when upset without the ability to resolve matters faster. "Both tend to believe that their partners do not understand their emotions and do not give them adequate space to express them, which aggravates the relationship," says Newman.
Cancer and Pisces CompatibilityPisces, like Cancer, is a water sign, and together they can have excellent communication and work as a natural match. "Pisces needs a partner who is grounded, protective, and spiritual, and Pisces and Cancer are both sensitive and are better understood when they are working together," says Newman. Cancer can be a little too heated and argumentative for Pisces, perhaps, but it's manageable with the right energy and outlook.
"While Pisces is calm, peaceful, easygoing, and adaptable, Cancer is temperamental, emotional, and overly concerned," says Newman. "However, they balance and complement each other's characteristics and have a strong bond."
Frequently Asked Questions Do Cancers attract each other?Cancers naturally gravitate towards one another, as they'll see eye-to-eye on prioritizing comfort, security, and stability. When they come together, it can result in cozy domestic bliss. The only drawback here is that there's double the emotion in this pairing, so they could find themselves waterlogged if they don't establish healthy boundaries.
Who are Cancers not compatible with?Cancers aren't usually compatible with signs that lack the compassion, patience, and understanding to deal with Cancer's emotions and mood swings. While they can often create lasting partnerships with water and earth signs, Cancer might face relationship challenges with air and fire signs who may find the crab to be too sensitive.
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Three Warning Signs Of Anal Cancer That Can Appear On The Toilet - 'See A GP'
Cancer symptoms are sometimes vague and non-specific, which often results in late diagnosis. However, survival outcomes grow poorer when the condition slips under the radar. While looking into the toilet bowl after going for a number two might make you feel squeamish, paying attention to any changes in this area could ring alarm bells.
Anal cancer occurs when cells in your anus begin to grow out of control.
Most anal cancers start from the cells in mucosa, which describes the inner lining of the anal canal that connects the rectum to your anus.
There are various glands and ducts found under the mucosa which make mucus, acting as a lubricating fluid.
Due to the position of anal cancer tumours, some of the tell-tale signs can strike on the loo.
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According to the NHS, the warning signs to look out for include:
Cancer Research UK explains the "most common" symptom of anal cancer is bleeding from the back passage.
You might notice this red flag symptom as blood in your poo, in the toilet bowl, or on the loo roll.
Apart from visible changes in your stool, you might also start having difficulty controlling your bowel movements.
This can present as sudden urges to poo that you simply can't control or soiling yourself without realising you needed the toilet.
While some of the symptoms of anal cancer can be triggered by other benign conditions like piles, also known as haemorrhoids, it is important to "see a GP".
The charity added: "If you have any of the above symptoms, you must get them checked by your GP.
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HPV is thought to be the most common cause of anal cancer, with around 90 percent of cases being linked to this infection.
However, the virus causes no harm for many people and can go away without treatment, according to the charity.
Other risk factors include having cervical, vulval, or vaginal cancer.
"The risk is also higher for women with a history of abnormal cells in the cervix, vulva or vagina," Cancer Research UK notes.
Furthermore, quitting smoking could help reduce your risk of developing many cancers, including anal cancer.
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