Country music icon Dolly Parton died this week after a brief battle with cancer
Anyone can get cancer and the signs are not always obvious(Image: Getty)
Dolly Parton’s death at the age of 80 has prompted renewed attention on cancer and the signs people should be aware of. The country music icon died on Tuesday, August 25 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her publicist, with her death announced by her grieving family.
While certain cancers come with clear and obvious symptoms, others can be far trickier to identify initially. Some are so subtle and concealed that they might go unnoticed until it’s too late.
HCG Oncology, a specialist cancer care network operating in India, has emphasised that alterations in bowel patterns are amongst the red flags linked to colorectal cancer, which impacts the colon and rectum. The organisation explains how this particular form of cancer is especially concerning because it may not trigger symptoms in its initial phases, rendering it significantly more difficult to identify.
The NHS cautions that a shift in your usual bowel routine shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. It identifies looser stools, diarrhoea or constipation that’s abnormal for you, alongside needing to visit the loo more or less regularly, as potential indicators of bowel cancer.
However, bowel cancer doesn’t mean every alteration signals cancer. Cancer Research UK notes that changes like looser stools, constipation or increased toilet visits can stem from other causes, but recommends individuals consult their GP about symptoms that seem out of the ordinary for them.
There are further warning signs worth being aware of, such as blood in your stool or rectal bleeding. The NHS also highlights abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and unusual fatigue or breathlessness as potential symptoms.
The duration of any changes is also significant. The NHS recommends consulting a GP if bowel cancer symptoms persist for three weeks or longer, while immediate medical attention is advised for black or dark-red stools or bloody diarrhoea.
HCG Oncology notes: “Colorectal cancer symptoms are often persistent and do not go away with medication. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks, you must consult a GI specialist for a proper evaluation.”
Your doctor may enquire about your symptoms and medical history before determining whether further investigation is required. Cancer Research UK explains this could involve a stool test known as a FIT, which detects minute traces of blood, alongside blood tests or referral for additional examinations where necessary.
The charity emphasises that the majority of people experiencing these symptoms will not have cancer. Nevertheless, having any unusual changes examined can help ensure that any serious condition is detected at the earliest opportunity.
While the precise form of cancer Dolly Parton faced remains undisclosed, warnings are being issued to ensure everybody is fully aware of all the signs to watch out for. It could, after all, prove to be life-saving.
To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to adopt a nutritious diet, maintain an active lifestyle, manage your weight sensibly, be mindful of your family medical history, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and attend regular health screenings.
