Bowel cancer causes, challenges and early detection Over recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in bowel cancer with an increasing number of cases being diagnosed in younger people. While the disease has traditionally been diagnosed in individuals over 50, younger people are now accounting for a larger proportion of new cases. In some countries, cases among young people have doubled in recent decades. According to a recent study in The Lancet Oncology, bowel cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. The study found that bowel cancer rates among young people, especially those aged 20-49, have been steadily increasing across multiple regions around the world. The data suggests that in England, there has been a 3.6% increase per year in those under 50 being diagnosed with the disease. What is the cause of bowel cancer affecting younger people? It is not possible to say why younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Lifestyle factors have been highlighted as a possible cause with changes in diet and lifestyle over the past few decades. Genetic factors may also play a part in the increased rates. The rise in early-onset diagnoses might also come down to advances in the ability to detect and diagnose different kinds of cancers. What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer? Bowel cancer in younger people can present with symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits or weight loss that might be overlooked or misdiagnosed as conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) initially. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and the disease being found at a more advanced stage, complicating treatment options. According to the NHS, the most common signs and symptoms of bowel cancer: changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you; needing to poo more or less often than usual for you; blood in your poo, which may look red or black; bleeding from your bottom; often feeling like you need to poo, even if you have just been to the toilet; tummy pain; a lump in your tummy; bloating; losing weight without trying; feeling very tired for no reason. The NHS advises you should see a GP if you have had any of these symptoms for three weeks or more. What investigations are needed for a bowel cancer diagnosis? The first point of contact for most people when they have concerns about their symptoms will be with their GP. A faecal immunochemical test (FIT) may be carried out as an initial investigation by a GP. This is an investigation which checks for traces of blood in a patient’s faeces, which could be a sign of bowel cancer. Further investigations may need to be carried out in hospital, including a colonoscopy where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside the bowel and a tissue sample can be taken for testing (a biopsy.) What treatment is needed for bowel cancer? The treatment for bowel cancer will depend on various factors, including the size and location of the cancer. A combination of treatments could be offered to include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. What are bowel cancer screening programmes? Cancer screening programmes are vital in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer. In England, bowel cancer screening is automatically offered to people between the ages of 54 and 74. According to the NHS, if you fall within this age group, a home test kit (FIT test kit) will be sent through the post every 2 years. The programme is currently in the process of being expanded and those between ages 50-52 should also soon be automatically receiving home test kits. In Wales, from October 2024 the screening age was also lowered to age 50 from 51 and the screening programme now covers those age 50 to 74. The Lancet study comments on the issue of expanding screening programmes to younger people, but this remains controversial because overall there are lower rates of bowel cancer than in the over 50s. What can I do if I have experienced a delay in diagnosis of bowel cancer? Early diagnosis of any cancer is crucial. A delayed diagnosis of bowel cancer can often lead to the cancer being diagnosed at a later stage and this can mean that more extensive treatment is required. We are aware of these issues arising in cases where there has been a delay in diagnosis of bowel cancer: Failures in carrying out appropriate tests to investigate symptoms and consider bowel cancer as a possible diagnosis Failures in following the relevant guidelines for further referral Failure to refer to specialists for further treatment We have also seen cases involving surgical errors during cancer treatment: Surgical errors during treatment Where can I find out more information about bowel cancer? The Lancet Oncology study highlighted how bowel cancer diagnoses in younger people can cause interruptions to education, work and family building and can cause long-term financial hardship. Of course, a cancer diagnosis is devastating at any age, but the effects are felt for longer where a younger person is impacted. Charities such as Cancer Research UK and Bowel Cancer UK have information and resources to provide support after a diagnosis and treatment. Some people may also wish to turn to Colostomy UK for support too. As bowel cancer increasingly affects younger individuals, the need for timely and accurate diagnosis is more important than ever, and the increasing trend underscores the importance of awareness and early intervention. If you or a loved one has concerns around a cancer diagnosis and treatment and would like to find out more about making a claim, you can talk to one of our solicitors, free and confidentially by contacting us.
