Bowel cancer can affect anyone. It’s the UK’s fourth most common cancer, with nearly 44,000 people diagnosed every year. The earlier it’s found, the better the chance of successful treatment - but for some, that opportunity can be missed.

At Switalskis, we work with people and families who have experienced delays in diagnosis or treatment. This blog explains the signs to look for, how screening works, and what to do if you think your concerns haven’t been taken seriously.

The signs and symptoms of bowel cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, starts in the large bowel or rectum. It’s the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with nearly 44,000 people diagnosed every year.

Although more than 9 in 10 cases occur in people over 50, bowel cancer can affect anyone. Statistics show that over 2,600 cases are diagnosed annually in people under 50. That’s why it’s important not to dismiss symptoms based on age.

Symptoms can include:

• A persistent change in bowel habits (such as going more often or having looser stools)
• Blood in your stool
• Ongoing abdominal pain or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue, especially due to iron-deficiency anaemia

If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to speak to your GP—even if you’re not sure they’re serious.

Why early diagnosis is so important

The survival rate for bowel cancer has improved significantly over the last few decades. Around 60% of people now survive five years or more after diagnosis. But this depends heavily on how early the cancer is found.

When bowel cancer is diagnosed at an early stage:

• Treatment is more likely to be successful
• Patients may avoid invasive procedures like surgery
• Quality of life after treatment can be better

How the NHS screens for bowel cancer

To help catch bowel cancer early, the NHS offers a free at-home test called the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) —sometimes referred to as qFIT —to check for hidden traces of blood in your poo, which could be an early sign of cancer or polyps.

Until recently, the test was offered to people aged 60 to 74. Now, the programme is being expanded to include everyone aged 50 to 74 , meaning an additional 850,000 people in England will now be invited to take part each year.

The test is simple to complete and is returned by post. It's a key tool in helping to catch bowel cancer early.

While the qFIT test is an important tool, it’s not a standalone diagnostic method. A negative test result does not always rule out bowel cancer, especially if symptoms persist. This is where the role of the clinician becomes critical.

Healthcare professionals should:

• Take a detailed medical and family history
• Assess symptoms in full, including subtle or non-specific ones
• Conduct appropriate physical examinations
• Arrange follow-up investigations such as blood tests or a colonoscopy where necessary

When this process isn’t followed properly, important signs of bowel cancer can be missed.

Delays in diagnosis can have devastating consequences - impacting treatment options, outcomes, and in some cases, a person’s ability to survive the disease.

When symptoms are not taken seriously or referrals are delayed, the result may be more advanced cancer that could have been treated earlier. In some instances, this may be considered clinical negligence .

At Switalskis, we support people whose symptoms were overlooked or whose diagnosis came too late. These are deeply personal and life-changing experiences, and our role is to help clients seek answers and accountability.

Raising awareness and making change

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month . This year Bowel Cancer UK are asking everyone to share important information about bowel cancer as part of their #PassItOn campaign. it’s a timely opportunity to raise awareness about bowel cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and how missed opportunities in care can sometimes lead to clinical negligence.

We’re here to support you

If you or a loved one has been affected by a delayed or missed diagnosis of bowel cancer, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our specialist clinical negligence solicitors are here to listen, support, and advise you on your options.

Get in touch with our team for a free, confidential conversation. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com