Bowel cancer: Tenesmus is a warning sign of the dangerous condition – what is it?

Bowel cancer symptoms include weight loss, stomach pain, and feeling very tired for no obvious reason. But you could also be at risk of the disease if you notice small changes to your daily toilet routine. How often do you use the bathroom? These are the bowel cancer signs in your poo.

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Bowel cancer is a general term for any cancer that develops in the large bowel, and it may sometimes be known as colon or rectal cancer.

The early warning signs of bowel cancer can be very subtle, and many people may not be aware that they’re at risk.

That’s why it’s crucial that you always check your stools after using the toilet.

Any change to your usual toilet habit may be a sign of bowel cancer.

What is tenesmus?

Medical News Today said: “Rectal tenesmus, or tenesmus, is a feeling of being unable to empty the large bowel of stool, even if there is nothing left to expel.

“Several medical conditions can cause tenesmus.

“These include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and disorders that affect how muscles move food through the gut.

“It can be painful, especially if there is cramping or other digestive symptoms. The symptoms can come and go, or they may persist long term.

“Vesical tenesmus is a separate condition that relates to the urinary bladder.

“A person will feel as if they are unable to empty the bladder, even when there is no urine present.”

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Several medical conditions can cause tenesmus.

These include inflammatory bowel disease, bowel cancer and disorders that affect how muscles move food through the gut.

The condition can be painful, especially if there is cramping or other digestive symptoms alongside it.

The symptoms can come and go, or they may persist long term.

Tenesmus often refers to cramping rectal pain and gives a person the feeling that they need to have a bowel movement, even if they’re already had one.

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Medical News Today added: “If a person has tenesmus, the doctor will carry out a medical assessment and physical examination to try to find the cause.

“The doctor will ask the individual about their personal and family medical history.

They will also ask about:

The doctor will also carry out an abdominal and rectal examination.”

You should see your GP if your change in bowel habit persists for more than four weeks.

But just because you notice a subtle change to your bowel habit, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have bowel cancer.

The doctor will assess whether you may be at risk of the disease by asking about your symptoms, and whether you have a family history of bowel cancer.

Your GP could subsequently refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

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