Bowel symptoms can feel awkward to talk about, but they’re a common reason people see a GP.
During Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to understand which changes are worth checking and why early conversations can make a real difference.
At Healthy Haven Family Clinic in Hoppers Crossing, the GPs provide a calm and respectful space to discuss bowel concerns, screening, and changes in your health.
What this article covers:
- What bowel cancer is and how it can start
- Possible bowel cancer symptoms
- When symptoms should be checked by a GP
- How bowel cancer screening can help
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is cancer that develops in the large bowel. This includes the colon and rectum.
It often starts from small growths inside the bowel called polyps. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some can change over time and become cancerous. This is one reason screening is important, because early changes may be found before symptoms appear.
What causes bowel cancer?
While the exact cause of bowel cancer is not always known, several factors can increase the risk.Â
These include:
- Getting older
- Having a family history of bowel cancer
- Certain inherited conditions
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Low levels of physical activity, and
- Diets high in processed or red meat
These factors do not guarantee someone will develop bowel cancer, but they have been associated with an increased risk over time.
However, bowel cancer can also occur in people with no obvious risk factors, which is why paying attention to symptoms and participating in screening programs is important.
You can read more details about bowel cancer through Cancer Council Australia here.
Not every bowel symptom means cancer. Many symptoms can be caused by haemorrhoids, infections, diet, stress, medications, or other digestive conditions. However, bowel cancer can cause symptoms that are easy to dismiss at first.
Symptoms to speak with a GP about include:
- Blood in your stool or bleeding from the rectum, which should always be checked even if it seems minor
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or going to the toilet more often than usual
- A feeling that your bowel hasn’t fully emptied after going to the toilet
- Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, or discomfort that keeps returning
- Unexplained weight loss, especially when you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits
- Ongoing fatigue or weakness, which can sometimes be linked to low iron or hidden blood loss
- A lump, swelling, or persistent pain in the abdomen or rectal area
Some symptoms develop gradually, which is why ongoing or unusual changes should not be ignored.
Increasing and reducing bowel cancer risks
Factors that may increase risk include:
- Regularly eating processed meats such as bacon, ham, salami, and some sausages
- Drinking alcohol heavily over many years
- Having a family history of bowel cancer or certain bowel conditions
Ways to help reduce risk include:
- Knowing your family medical history and discussing it with your GP
- Having symptoms investigated rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own
- Participating in bowel cancer screening when eligible, even if you feel well
When should you book a GP appointment?
A good rule is to book a GP appointment when bowel symptoms are new, persistent, recurring, or unusual for you.
You should also speak with a GP if you have a family history of bowel cancer, are unsure about screening, or symptoms are affecting your daily life.
GPs discuss bowel symptoms every day, and an appointment can help identify what is causing the change.
Screening is important
Bowel cancer screening is designed for people who do not have obvious symptoms. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 a free home test every two years.
The test looks for tiny traces of blood in the stool that may not be visible. A positive result does not automatically mean bowel cancer, but it does mean further investigation is needed.
Is bowel cancer common in younger people?
While bowel cancer is more common in older adults, cases among younger Australians have increased in recent years. This short ABC News report explores the trend:
You can find the article here for more from the ABC.
What your GP can help with
A GP can talk through your symptoms, review your medical and family history, organise tests if needed, and explain what happens next. This may include blood tests, stool testing, physical examination, or referral for further investigation.
At Healthy Haven Family Clinic, the focus is on personalised care, clear explanations, and making sure you feel comfortable raising health concerns that may be difficult to talk about.
Don’t ignore ongoing bowel changes
Bowel symptoms are not something you need to manage quietly or explain away.
If you’ve noticed ongoing changes, blood in your stool, or symptoms that do not feel normal for you, speaking with a GP can provide clarity and reassurance.
Healthy Haven Family Clinic supports patients across Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Tarneit, Truganina, Williams Landing, Point Cook, and surrounding areas.
Book an appointment online, or contact our friendly team today.