Rise in bowel cancer in young people in the UK | Bolt Burdon Kemp Rise in bowel cancer in young people in the UK | Bolt Burdon Kemp

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Rise in bowel cancer in young people in the UK

A new study has found the number of under-50s being diagnosed with bowel cancer is increasing globally.

Bowel cancer rates rose in 27 out of the 50 countries analysed between 2007 to 2017, the study published in the journal Lancet Oncology found.

Worryingly, England was one of the countries with the fastest rises, averaging 3.6% increase every year.

It is not currently known why more young people are being diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK. There is suggestion this may be down to diet, ultra-processed foods and obesity, however it could also be down to genetic conditions or improved methods of diagnosis.

In the cases we have seen, our young clients have voiced the too-often heard mantra of them being ‘too young for cancer’ so their concerns or symptoms are dismissed or not prioritised.

While the results of this study may seem concerning there were some positives. It was reported that bowel cancer rates tended to be stable or were falling in older adults in England, partly due to the effectiveness of cancer screening programmes.

Cancer Research UK has also highlighted bowel cancer rates in younger adults are still low with only 1 in every 20 bowel cancers in the UK being diagnosed in people aged under 50.

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

As one of the most common cancers in the UK, the NHS has recently lowered the age of bowel cancer screening to 50 years old. People aged 50-74 will now automatically receive a home testing kit by post every two years. The NHS has been posting at home testing kits to all 54-74 year olds since 2021. However, for those under 50 it is important to be aware of what symptoms you should be looking out for and when to go to your GP.

According to the NHS, the symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

  • Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you;
  • Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you;
  • Blood in your poo, which may look red or black;
  • Bleeding from your bottom;
  • Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet;
  • Tummy pain;
  • A lump in your tummy;
  • Bloating;
  • Losing weight without trying;
  • Feeling very tired for no reason.

If you have any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, you are advised to go to your GP who can refer you for further tests if required.

We all too often hear from our clients about the importance of advocating for yourself during medical appointments and to make sure you are satisfied your concerns are being listened to and symptoms appropriately investigated.

Treatment

Treatment for bowel cancer will depend on the stage of the tumour and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Surgery may be carried out to remove the cancer from the bowel. Depending on the stage of the cancer, part or all of the bowel may also need to be removed and you may need a colostomy or ileostomy to help your recover.

Patients may also be offered chemotherapy if they are not able to have surgery or after surgery to stop the cancer coming back. Radiotherapy may also be a treatment option if you have cancer in your rectum.

What to do if you believe your treatment was negligent?

Unfortunately, delays in diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer can sometimes be negligent and may result in you being able to bring a claim for compensation. The main types of negligence we see are:

  1. A GP or primary care clinician failing to consider red flag symptoms, give safety netting advice and failing to follow up or investigate symptoms of bowel cancer and considering referring for further tests under the urgent two week cancer pathway;
  2. Test results or imaging being misinterpreted leading to delays in diagnosis or misdiagnosis; and
  3. Undue delays in treatment

In my experience of working in the medical negligence team we have sadly represented far too many patients who have experienced an unnecessary delay in their diagnosis where the outcome could have been so very different. Delays in diagnosis will increase the risk of the bowel cancer advancing and spreading to other areas of the body. This can impact on treatment options available and may also sadly reduce the patient’s chance of survival.

Receiving a diagnosis of bowel cancer can be an incredibly anxious time, however it is important to be aware of your legal rights where there has been negligence.

If you have suffered a delay in diagnosis or treatment you may be able to pursue a legal claim for compensation.

While seeking financial compensation may not be the top of your priorities while battling cancer, compensation will give you options when it comes to seeking private treatment and provide you with the funds to put in place the care and treatment you need. It will also help to recover any financial losses you may have suffered such as any lost earnings and provide some security for you and your family during your treatment and recovery.

If you are concerned you have suffered medical negligence and would like some advice, then please do get in touch with our medical negligence team. Our team has successfully represented clients who have experienced delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and continue to do so. If we are able to help you, we will support you throughout the claim process and strive to provide the best outcome for you allowing you to focus on your treatment and recovery.

Support

There are a number of cancer charities and specific bowel cancer organisations that can provide information, advice and support:

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity which provides helpful support and advice for people with bowel cancer.

Bowelbabe fund for Cancer Research UK was set up to continue the legacy of Dame Deborah James. It funds cutting-edge research into early detection and personalised medicine, raises awareness of signs and symptoms and aims to tackle stigmas around cancers with its #CheckYourPoo campaign.

GUTS is a charity based in Surrey which aims to improve bowel cancer survival through better care, screening and detection in the local community and beyond.

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