Dr Amir Khan issues bowel cancer alert to young people - seven warning signs

 An ITV doctor has claimed that some people need to understand they are never "too young for bowel cancer". Dr Amir Khan said that more young people are being diagnosed with the condition, and urges people to be aware of the warning signs.

The TV regular, speaking on a recent This Morning segment, said: "We are seeing younger people getting diagnosed with bowel cancer right across the board, particularly in wealthier countries. We think that is because of several things that happen all throughout life, and it starts in childhood.

"We're seeing it in these generations more so now than we did in previous generations. It's exposure to ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle.

Dr Khan claimed that "all of those things add up over time". He says it has led to an increase in cases of people under 50 being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

He claimed that, despite it commonly being a condition that tends to affect older people, someone is never "too young for bowel cancer".

Sharing the clip from the ITV daytime show on his Instagram, Dr Khan added: "It’s never anyone’s fault they get cancer, but Cancer Research UK suggest 54% of bowel cancer cases can be prevented through eating whole foods, especially plants with lots of fibre, minimising alcohol, stopping smoking, keeping active and getting to a healthy weight."

In some cases, the risk might be genetic. Cancer Research suggested that people talk to their GP if they think they have a family history of bowel cancer.

A spokesperson said: "[The doctor] might refer you to a genetics clinic if appropriate. A geneticist conducts a detailed assessment and can determine whether people need screening or genetic testing."

What are some of the warning signs for bowel cancer?

According to Cancer Research UK, some of the signs that a person may have bowel cancer can include a change in their normal bowel habit or blood in their poo. These can also be symptoms of other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor and have everything assessed.

A list of possible symptoms includes:

bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo

a change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation

a lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen)

a feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels

losing weight when you haven’t been trying to

pain in your abdomen or back passage

tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

See a GP if you are worried about any of the symptoms mentioned above. Remember, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions that are much less serious than cancer, such as piles (haemorrhoids), infections, IBS or inflammatory bowel disease.