Are your bowel symptoms serious?
April 24, 2017
Thought LeadersProf Matt Rutter MBBS MD FRCPProf of Gastroenterology,Durham University
An interview with Professor Matt Rutter MBBS MD FRCP, conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab)
How common are lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and when should you see your GP?
Very common – most of us will experience bowel symptoms from time to time, but usually the symptoms last only a few days. You should see your GP if they persist for more than three weeks (sooner if they are severe) or if your symptoms keep coming back.
The key signs you could have bowel cancer include:
bleeding from your bottom, and/or blood in your poo
a change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or longer
unexplained weight loss
extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
a pain or lump in your tummy
Are your bowel symptoms serious?
