Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is a common cancer in the UK, affecting the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectum). It is most common in people over 60. Many bowel symptoms are caused by non-cancerous conditions, but persistent changes should always be checked.

These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, persistent, unexplained or unusual changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

• A persistent change in bowel habit — going more often, looser stools, or both
• Blood in your stools or bleeding from your bottom
• Stomach pain, discomfort or bloating brought on by eating
• A lump in your tummy or back passage
• Unexplained tiredness or weight loss, which can be a sign of anaemia

If you notice a persistent change in your bowel habit, blood in your stools, or unexplained weight loss or tiredness, contact your GP. Most of these symptoms have other causes, but a GP can assess you. If you receive a home FIT test kit, complete it — it can find early changes.

Check your risk

Answer a few quick questions for a general awareness indicator. This is not a clinical assessment.

This is a general awareness tool, not a clinical risk score. It does not diagnose cancer.

These factors can increase the chance of developing bowel cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get it. A high-fibre diet, a healthy weight and not smoking may help reduce risk.

• Being over 60 — most cases are in older people
• Eating too much red and processed meat
• Not eating enough fibre
• Being overweight
• Smoking and drinking alcohol
• A family history of bowel cancer
• Having had a long-term bowel illness like Crohn's disease

People aged 60 to 74 are sent a simple home test every 2 years. The test checks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool that you cannot see. The programme is being extended to people aged 50 and over. If you get a test kit, please complete and return it — it only takes a few minutes.

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and may examine your tummy and back passage. They may arrange a blood test and, if needed, refer you to a specialist. Further tests can include a colonoscopy, where a thin camera examines the inside of the bowel.

• NHS Screening Programmes →
• General warning signs to watch for →

People also ask about Bowel Cancer

• What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
• What are the early signs of bowel cancer?
• Who is at greater risk of bowel cancer?
• Can bowel cancer develop without symptoms?
• When should I speak to my GP?

Sources and further reading

• NHS — Bowel cancer

  Last source check: 2026-08-10

• Cancer Research UK — Bowel cancer

  Last source check: 2026-08-10

• NICE — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12)

  Last source check: 2026-08-10