Radio One DJ Adele Roberts left people stunned when she revealed she was suffering from bowel cancer, but it's actually one of the most common cancers in the UK.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the country with more than 42,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year.
The majority of cases occur in older adults with 94% of people diagnosed over the over of 50 and 59% of those over 70 years old.
However, the illness impacts people of all ages meaning everyone should look out for the symptoms and get checked out if concerned - reports the Daily Record.
READ MORE: BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts confirms she has bowel cancer
Southport DJ Adele urged people to get checked out in an emotional Instagram post where she shared her diagnosis.
Bowel cancer symptoms can often be easily dismissed or ignored with many often putting symptoms down to other, less serious, illnesses, diet changes or changes to their body as they get older.
However, catching bowl cancer - as well as many other cancers - early could save your life.
Here are the signs to look out for, according to the NHS.
Symptoms of bowel cancer
- Blood in your poo
- Changes to your bowel movements
- Bloating or abdominal pain after eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Vomiting
You should see a GP if you have any of the symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more.
It is important to remember that any or all of these symptoms are likely to be due to a something much less serious, however it is vital to make an appointment to rule out anything sinister.
Screening for bowel cancer
GP tests
If you are concerned and attend your GP, you will usually be asked about your family history.
The doctor will likely examine your bottom and abdomen to check for any lumps.
This might sound embarrassing and can be a bit uncomfortable, but these checks are quick and could be life saving.
The GP may also check your blood to see if you have iron deficiency anaemia.
Although most people with bowel cancer do not have symptoms of anaemia, they may lack iron as a result of bleeding from the cancer.
Hospital tests
If the first stage of tests do not initially rule out bowel cancer, you may be referred to hospital to be examined further.
You may be booked in for a flexible sigmoidoscopy - an examination of your back passage and some of your large bowel using a long, thin, flexible tube attacked to a camera.
A small number of cancers can only be diagnosed by a more extensive examination of the colon meaning the doctor may carry out a colonoscopy or CT colonography.
Emergency referrals, such as people with bowel obstruction, will be diagnosed by a CT scan.
Home test kit
If you are aged 50 to 74 years-old, you will be sent a bowel screening test kit every two years.
Those over 75 can still take a bowel screening test every two years but will need to request the kit opposed to being sent one automatically.
The home test will require you to send one small sample of poo to a lab with your results being posted out to you within two weeks.
You can find out more, including instructions on how to take the test, on the NHS inform website here.
Are some people at higher risk of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is pretty rare before the age of 40, but is possible at any age.
Age is not the only risk factor with family history and other inflammatory bowel diseases making some people higher risk.
If you have an inherited bowel conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer - also known as Lynch syndrome- you could be a greater risk.
People with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis may also be more likely to develop bowel cancer.
Lifestyle factors such as weight, smoking, diet, excessive red and/or processed meat as well as high alcohol intake can also be associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer.
