Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, ranking at the fourth most common. If diagnosed early survival rates are high, exceeding 90%.

While many bowel symptoms are caused by non-serious conditions, recognising potential warning signs and feeling confident to advocate for yourself help ensure timely investigation and diagnosis, as Katie Nolan discusses below.

Recognising the symptoms of bowel cancer

Bowel cancer can cause a range of symptoms. Importantly, these symptoms do not always appear all at once and may come and go, which can make them easy to dismiss or attribute to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Common symptoms can include:

• A persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation

• Needing to open your bowels more or less frequently than usual

• Blood in your poo, which may be bright red or very dark

• Bleeding from your bottom

• A pain or lump in your tummy

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent fatigue or symptoms of anaemia

Having these symptoms does not automatically mean you have bowel cancer. However, NHS guidance is clear that any symptoms lasting three weeks or more should be checked by a GP, particularly if they are new or worsening.

When symptoms of bowel cancer are dismissed

We often speak to people who attended their GP on multiple occasions with ongoing bowel symptoms, only to be told that they were experiencing IBS or stress related issues, which later has gone on to be diagnosed as bowel cancer.

In some cases, individuals later reflect that they struggled to fully convey the pattern, frequency or severity of their symptoms during short appointments.

This is not about criticising healthcare professionals, who work under significant pressure, but about recognising how difficult it can be to explain ongoing symptoms clearly, especially when you are anxious, feel embarrassed, or worried about “wasting” your doctor’s time.

Advocating for yourself at GP appointments

You have the right to feel listened to when you seek medical advice. If something does not feel right, it is important to clearly say so.

Some practical steps that may help include:

• Being specific about how long symptoms have been present

• Explaining how your symptoms differ from your “normal” bowel habits

• Returning to your GP if symptoms persist or worsen, even if you have been reassured previously

• Asking whether further tests, such as blood tests or a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), may be appropriate

If your symptoms continue despite treatment, or you feel your concerns have not been fully addressed, it is acceptable to request a further appointment or seek a second opinion.

GP’s should also be aware of Jess’s Rule, which encourages GP’s in England to “think again” if they have seen a patient more than three times with the same complaints or their symptoms are getting worse.

How a symptoms diary can help

Keeping a symptoms diary can be an extremely helpful way of communicating your experiences clearly to a healthcare professional.

Organisations such as Bowel Cancer UK recommend tracking symptoms before GP appointments to support clearer discussions and decision making. They have a symptoms diary you can easily download.

Or you can create a useful diary yourself including:

• Dates and times symptoms occur

• Changes in stool frequency or consistency

• Presence of blood, pain, bloating or fatigue

• Any patterns you notice, such as symptoms worsening over time

Bringing this information to your appointment can help your GP build a clearer picture, particularly when symptoms are intermittent or have developed gradually.

When delays in diagnosis can cause harm

Early diagnosis of bowel cancer significantly improves treatment options and outcomes. Where there has been an unreasonable delay in investigation, referral or diagnosis, patients may understandably be left with questions about whether more could have been done sooner.

As specialist clinical negligence solicitors, we support individuals and families who believe that warning signs were missed or not acted upon appropriately. Our role is to carefully investigate medical records, obtain independent expert evidence, and provide clear, honest advice to get you the right support and financial help to allow you to move forward with your life.

You know your body better than anyone else. If symptoms persist, change, or simply do not feel right, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to speak up when at your GP appointment, don’t leave feeling more confused or unsure of the next steps.

Keeping a record of your symptoms, asking questions, and returning for further advice if needed are an important part of advocating for your health and for your GP to fully understand your symptoms to make a correct and timely decision for treatment and diagnosis.

If you have concerns about a delayed diagnosis of bowel cancer, or would like confidential advice about a potential clinical negligence claim, our team is here to help.