A doctor has shared an important warning about a subtle sign of cancer that could mean someone is bleeding inside their body.
In the US, about half of men and one-third of women will get cancer at some point in their lives. Sadly, one in five men and one in six women will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. This makes it very important to recognize the signs of cancer early. Dr. Robin Clark, a medical expert, has explained one of these subtle signs that could indicate internal bleeding.
Dr. Clark, who works with Bupa Health Insurance, spoke to *Express.co.uk* to raise awareness about bowel cancer, which is becoming more common in younger people. He shared some key symptoms to watch out for.
One symptom is weight loss, which isn’t as common as other signs but can happen because bowel cancer can stop the body from absorbing nutrients from food. Dr. Clark also mentioned that people might lose their appetite if they feel sick, bloated, or just not hungry.
Another sign is changes in bowel movements. Dr. Clark explained that if your stool changes in color, shape, or texture for more than a few days, it could be a sign of an infection, digestive problems, or something more serious like cancer. While constipation can be a symptom, having looser stools or needing to go to the bathroom more often is more common. Other symptoms include bloating, stomach pain, or mucus in the stool.
Dr. Clark emphasized that paying attention to your bowel habits could save your life. He said, “The most important things to watch for are changes in your bathroom habits or stool. If you notice black or dark red stool, or bloody diarrhea, you should see a doctor right away.”
Bowel cancer can also cause anemia, which means your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can happen because of internal bleeding from a tumor. Dr. Clark added, “Even if you don’t see blood in your stool, being diagnosed with anemia could be a sign of internal bleeding. A lack of iron in the body can make you feel very tired.”
Dr. Clark stressed that bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, so it’s crucial to talk to a doctor if you notice any symptoms. He said, “If something doesn’t feel right or you notice any unexplained changes, it’s important to get medical help immediately, no matter how old you are.”
