Bowel cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK.  Awareness seems lacking in comparison to some other cancers, despite this being 'a big one'.  Why is that? Do we bury our heads in the sand when it comes to talking about poo? Or is the information not out there as much as other cancers, are the campaigns not bold enough, loud enough, frequent enough?
Dr Penny Ward speaks to special guest Ian who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019. She discusses symptoms with him, those that are in the textbooks and national campaigns, and those that are not. She gives a brief anatomy lesson on the large bowel, discussing why cancers presenting in different places in the bowel can present differently.

References:

For more information about the bowel and how it works: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/the-bowel/

Information about the new bowel screening test we use as GPs if you present with symptoms (more details in subsequent podcasts): https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/screening/bowel-screening-evidence-and-resources/faecal-immunochemical-test-fit

Textbook symptoms and signs to be aware of: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/