April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK? This is the case even though it can be successfully treated if diagnosed early enough.

Some of the common symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Bleeding from the bottom and blood in poo
• Persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss
• Being easily fatigued with no obvious reason or cause
• Pain or a lump in the tummy

Sometimes people are embarrassed about seeing doctors when these symptoms occur, but it really is better to book an appointment without delay. There is no need to feel uncomfortable as doctors deal with these issues on a day to day basis.

You may not have cancer, but you may have something that can be treated. The longer you put off seeing the GP, the more you will worry about what might be happening.

Cancer Research UK gives this helpful advice in relation to getting the most out of your GP appointment:

When you see the doctor it can be difficult to remember everything you want to say. These tips will help you get the most out of your appointment:

1. Write down your symptoms including when they started, when they happen and how often you have them
2. Write down if anything makes them worse or better
3. Tell your GP if you are worried about cancer in particular
4. Tell them if you have a family history of cancer
5. Take a friend or relative along for support – they could also ask questions and help you remember what the GP says
6. Ask the GP to explain anything you don’t understand
7. Ask the GP to write things down for you if you think it might help

For further information on bowel cancer please visit: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/

Of course, we do have to deal with situations where the professionals have not taken reasonable steps but these are exceptions. If you do have concerns with how you have been treated in relation to any diagnosis, you can call us for a no obligation, confidential chat.

For further information contact our Clinical Negligence team on 01256 844888 or email enquiries@lambbrooks.com

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.