Bowel Cancer Symptoms in Women
According to Cancer Research UK, bowel cancer is women’s second most common form of cancer. While it’s less common than breast cancer, it’s much less survivable if detected late, as symptoms are often non-specific and easily ignored. So if you or someone you know has any of these six bowel cancer symptoms in women, you need to see your doctor immediately.
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling bloated
Because of women’s organs, bowel cancer can be more difficult to diagnose for women than for men. In addition, many symptoms are shared among other conditions; bowel cancer symptoms in women can also be vague. If you experience any of these six bowel symptoms and have a family history of bowel cancer, please see your doctor as soon as possible.
Abdominal bloating and pain
Women must be aware of bowel cancer symptoms: pain while passing stools. This symptom can also be described as discomfort, discomfort, or irritability. Passing painful stools can make someone apprehensive about bowel movements, making them less likely to have the recommended number of bowel movements daily.
Some bowel cancer symptoms that people might not associate with women are rectal bleeding and discomfort in the pelvic area. This is because the rectum and colon run alongside each other, and rectal bleeding may be mistaken for hemorrhoids or constipation. Still, it could signify a more serious condition like colorectal cancer or polyps.
Pain during passing stools
Many people don’t know that women are more susceptible to bowel cancer than men, with two times higher rates. But, it would help if you watched out for some bowel cancer symptoms in women. One of the most common symptoms is pain during passing stools. Other signs include bleeding from the rectum, unexplained weight loss, and constipation for weeks or months. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible.
Changes in your stool
Some of the main symptoms of bowel cancer are changes in the stool.
Some common changes to look out for are constipation, blood or mucus in your stool, and difficulty passing a bowel movement. If you notice your regular bowel movements have changed, don’t ignore them!
If you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or bloating, then be sure to get checked out by a doctor. Suppose you haven’t been screened for colorectal cancer recently and have any of these symptoms, then make an appointment with your GP to get screened.
Unexplained weight loss
Bowel cancer is rare cancer, but it can still affect women. A woman with bowel-related symptoms should visit her doctor as soon as possible.
Anemia without other causes
The National Cancer Institute reports that anemia can be a symptom of bowel cancer in both men and women. Sometimes, anemia may be the only symptom present when bowel cancer is found. Lack of energy, weight loss, and changes to your menstrual cycle are common bowel cancer symptoms for women.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek advice from your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier you get checked out, the better chance you can receive treatment to stop or reverse the disease before it progresses further. This can greatly improve your chances of a full recovery.
How does bowel cancer affect females differently from males?
Bowel cancer is most common in older men but sometimes affects women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of every 100 cases of colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) occurs in a woman, and breast cancer is only slightly more common. However, when bowel cancer does occur in a woman, there are some important differences that you should be aware of.