Symptoms of Bowel Cancer in Females

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the rectum and colon. It leads to a variety of symptoms in females that may go unnoticed. As cancer starts the symptoms are mild but as it progresses the symptoms become more obvious. It is the third most common cancer in any sex but females have 1 in 25-lifetime risk and men have 1 in 23-lifetime risk.^(1,2)

Bowel cancer occurs as a result of the proliferation of cells in the rectum and colon. There are several risk factors that may increase the chances of cancer development, these include:

• Getting old
• Family history
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Genetics

Additionally people with a certain type of lifestyle choice have more risk of developing colorectal cancer. Also, a few things increase the risk, which are as follows:

• Drinking alcohol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High fat and low fiber diet
• Diet containing processed meats
• Decreased intake of fruits and vegetables

The symptoms of colorectal cancer do not vary much between the sexes. Bowel cancer may not cause symptoms in all people and sometimes symptoms if present resembles those of several other conditions.⁽³⁾ Screening is the only way to distinguish if it’s cancer. Those at risk should get the screening done at the age of 45 years.

In stages l and ll, bowel cancer is difficult to detect as there may not be any signs and symptoms or this condition and it may be mistaken for any other condition.

The common symptoms of early-stage bowel cancer include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Change in consistency of stool

Along with the above symptoms, some people may also experience fatigue, abdominal pain, rectal pain, discolored stool and weight loss.

The symptoms may be experienced in the later stages of bowel cancer. These include:

• Blood in stool
• Abdominal discomfort
• Changes in bowel movements
• Anemia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Weakness
• Urge to pass a bowel movement

Bowel cancer often spreads to the liver and may also spread to the lungs, brain, lymph nodes, abdominal cavity and brain.

Sometimes the symptoms are also associated with the gynecological condition. These symptoms include bloating, cramping, and fatigue. A doctor should be consulted if there are any long-lasting symptom changes with the menstrual cycle.

It is recommended for people even with minimal risk factors to start screening for colorectal cancer at the age of 45 tears.⁽⁴⁾

Females going through menopause and taking hormone therapy have a lesser risk. A study shows hormones help with symptoms of menopause and also reduce the risk of bowel cancer.⁽⁵⁾

A few steps can be taken to reduce the occurrence:

• Avoiding smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining moderate weight
• Increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, and fiber
• Avoiding excessive alcohol intake.

A doctor should be contacted if abnormal bowel movements are observed especially if blood is noticed in the stool. Not only females but men too if over the age of 45 years should get screened for bowel cancer, especially if they fall in the risk category.