Colorectal cancer symptoms often mistaken for digestive issues

Medical experts are warning that colorectal cancer symptoms are frequently mistaken for common digestive issues, leading to delayed diagnoses. According to Cancer Research UK, cases of colorectal cancer in individuals aged 25 to 49 have increased by more than 50% since the early 1990s.

Dr. Donald Grant, a general practitioner and senior clinical advisor at Independent Pharmacy, notes that while the disease remains more common in older populations, the rising incidence among those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s means younger people are also at risk. Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates.

Key warning signs that are often overlooked include:

- Persistent fatigue: This can be caused by silent internal bleeding, which may lead to iron-deficiency anemia, resulting in exhaustion, shortness of breath, or pale skin.

- Prolonged changes in bowel habits: While temporary changes in stool consistency can result from diet, long-term shifts in bowel patterns require medical attention.