A 26-year-old woman undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer is urging everyone to recognize and heed the critical warning signs, following her unexpected diagnosis despite having no prior health issues.

In the UK, over 44,100 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Particularly concerning is the rise in cases among younger adults aged 25 to 50, as reported by Cancer Research UK.

Startlingly, more than 54% of these bowel cancer cases could potentially be avoided, with 28% directly attributed to a lack of sufficient fiber in the diet.

Bowel cancer has long been considered a condition affecting older individuals, but recent years have seen a notable increase in diagnoses among younger populations.

Presently, 94% of bowel cancer cases in the UK are diagnosed in individuals over 50, with the highest incidence observed in those aged 85 to 89.

Though the disease can affect people of any age, experts express concern over the rising number of cases among those under 50, even if the overall figures remain significantly lower compared to older age groups.

Mum-of-two Bronwyn, 26, has taken to TikTok whilst undergoing cancer treatment following her bowel cancer diagnosis. She is now highlighting lesser-known symptoms of the disease whilst encouraging others to seek medical examinations.

“So I was 26 and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. 26 is so young,” she explained, revealing how the diagnosis came as a complete surprise given her lack of family history and previously excellent health.

“And there are just some signs and symptoms that I wish I’d known about before being diagnosed, because maybe then I would have pushed my GP further,” she said.

“Because, obviously, you are never too young to get bowel cancer.”

What are the symptoms for bowel cancer?

“So the many symptoms to look for is blood in your poo or blood when your bum after going for a big fat poo,” she explained. “It doesn’t have to be a big fat poo, it can be any kind of poo.”

She continued by saying that you should also watch out for any alterations in your bowel patterns, such as needing to go more regularly or less frequently.

You might also be experiencing ongoing stomach pains, or feeling more bloated than usual.

After struggling to recall additional symptoms, blaming her ‘chemo brain’ she went on to reveal: “Feeling fatigued, I don’t know if I said that one, but yeah, that’s another sign.

“The other one that I was not aware of is a change in your poo’s shape,” she continued. “So, long thin pencil poos, I don’t mean they have to be like proper pencils, but thinning of your poos can also be a sign of bowel cancer. And obviously, if you’re just feeling that something is off, go and see your GP.”

She proceeded to say that if you experience any of these warning signs, you should visit your GP, particularly if they continue.

She also urged everyone over 50 to complete their fit tests when they arrive, even if they believe nothing is amiss. The NHS has outlined the primary symptoms of bowel cancer, which include changes in your stool or bowel habits, finding blood in your stool, experiencing abdominal pain, or discovering a lump in your abdomen.

While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate bowel cancer, it is crucial to consult with your GP if you experience any of them.