9 Colon Cancer Symptoms You Should NEVER Ignore (Doctor Explains)

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and US — and one of the most treatable when caught early. Yet thousands of people still die every year because subtle early symptoms are dismissed as IBS, stress, haemorrhoids, or “just getting older.” In this video, I break down 9 early colon cancer symptoms everyone should know, explain the physiology behind them, and clarify when a symptom becomes something that needs urgent medical attention. As an emergency medicine doctor in the UK, I’ve seen first hand how often the difference between survival and late-stage disease comes down to timing — and timing comes down to recognising the warning signs. I don't want you to panic when you're watching this video, however you should be taking this seriously. Most people with these symptoms will not have cancer. But a very small number will — and those are the people who benefit most from early investigation. You’ll learn: -How a change in bowel habit can signal something more serious -What different types of rectal bleeding can mean -Why iron deficiency anaemia is taken so seriously in clinical medicine -How fatigue and weight loss can be linked to bowel cancer -When symptoms require a GP appointment — and when they require A&E -Who is at higher risk, and how screening like the FIT test saves lives If you’re over 40, have a family history, or have noticed persistent symptoms, this is information you should know. And if you’re over 50 in the UK, make sure you complete your NHS bowel cancer screening FIT test. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Why colon cancer is so treatable — if caught early 02:23 - Change in bowel habit 04:00 - Blood in the stool 05:56 - Persistent abdominal discomfort 07:23 - Unexplained fatigue 09:07 - Iron deficiency anaemia 11:14 - Unintentional weight loss 12:50 - Tenesmus (feeling of incomplete emptying) 14:11 - Persistent narrow stools 15:21 - Signs of bowel obstruction (medical emergency) 17:00 - Who is at higher risk 19:08 - Final advice and screening #dralex #doctoralex #coloncancer #bowelcancer #cancersymptoms #cancer