The holiday season is synonymous with joyful gatherings, cherished moments with family and friends, and, inevitably, indulging a bit too much in festive fare. On Christmas Day alone, it’s believed that the typical individual in the UK might consume approximately 6,000 calories—significantly exceeding the daily recommended intake.

Many will recognize the familiar discomfort that follows a hearty holiday meal, whether it’s due to an extra serving of roast potatoes or finishing off the cheeseboard in the late hours. But what if that uneasy feeling isn’t just a result of overeating?

In light of Decembeard, which marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, highlights key symptoms to watch for this Christmas season that could indicate serious gut health concerns or even bowel cancer.

Red flag symptoms that could indicate bowel cancer

Understanding Persistent Bloating

Feeling bloated after indulging in a festive turkey dinner is a common experience at Christmas, especially when meals are consumed too quickly or if the digestive system struggles to cope. Usually, this discomfort arises as the stomach expands to accommodate more food, alongside gas building up in the intestines.

Most mild bloating can be alleviated with over-the-counter solutions like Rennie, natural remedies such as herbal tea or peppermint oil, or even applying a warm compress. While this is a typical post-feast experience, it should not last more than a few hours. If bloating persists beyond a few days, it could indicate more serious gut health issues, including bowel cancer, and warrants further examination.

Frequent trips to the loo

Overindulgence during the festive season can result in more frequent bathroom visits, especially after a rich meal laden with high-fat and sugary foods. However, if you find yourself needing the toilet more often than usual and it’s not simply due to overeating, this could be a warning sign.

Keep an eye on any changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or an urgent need to go. If these symptoms persist well beyond the Christmas feast, it might be time to seek medical advice, as they could be early signs of bowel cancer.

Unexplained exhaustion beyond the post-meal snooze

Christmas is a hectic time of year, and feeling worn out after preparing the turkey or hosting a house full of guests is normal. But if you’re finding it harder than usual to stay awake or battling with ongoing fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest, this could be a sign your body is trying to alert you to something more serious.

Bowel cancer can lead to anaemia, as blood loss in the bowel reduces the number of red blood cells in your body, resulting in fatigue. If this symptom continues well beyond the festive period, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Seeing red in the toilet

Festive indulgences like cranberry sauce and beetroot salads can sometimes startlingly colour your stool red, but this is usually harmless and related to your diet. However, noticing actual blood in your stool, whether bright red or darker, should never be overlooked.

While haemorrhoids or minor tears from straining might cause this, persistent bleeding is a crucial warning sign of bowel cancer. Over the Christmas period, don’t dismiss this symptom as a one-off caused by rich food or alcohol intake – make an appointment with your GP.

Feeling full before the starters

It’s easy to overestimate your hunger when faced with a spread of festive treats, but if you find yourself feeling unusually full after eating very little, this could indicate a more serious problem. A constant sensation of fullness can occur if there’s a blockage or tumour in the bowel.

While it’s tempting to dismiss this as the result of a heavy Christmas meal, keep a close eye on the symptom, especially if it persists or worsens.

More than just Christmas cramps

Overindulging can often leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, but if you’re experiencing sharp or persistent stomach pain, it’s not something to be ignored. If the discomfort is localised, doesn’t subside after digestion, or disturbs your sleep, it could indicate a blockage or tumour in the bowel.

Don’t put off seeking medical advice until the New Year – it’s crucial to get any ongoing abdominal pain checked out as soon as possible.