You’re never too young to get checked.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can come and go, so don’t wait if you have any of these concerns, no matter what your age:
- Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)
- Change of bowel motions over several weeks that come and go
- Anaemia
- Persistent or periodic severe abdominal pain
- A lump or mass in the abdomen
- Tiredness and loss of weight for no obvious reason
“If you have any symptoms, it’s vital to get them investigated, no matter what your age. And seek a second opinion if you’re not happy with the diagnosis.”
Professor Frank Frizelle, Bowel Cancer NZ medical advisor
Don’t sit on your symptoms
No one ever died of embarrassment, but you can die of bowel cancer. If you have any concerns about your bowel habits, talk to your GP or healthcare professional straight away.
Accept no ‘buts’: If you have symptoms of concern, don’t accept “but you’re too young to have bowel cancer” – get a second opinion.
Bowel cancer has touched many lives: young and old
View the stories of some of the many Kiwis whose lives have been affected by bowel cancer. No matter what their age, we believe they were all too young. #getchecked #beatbowelcancer
With thanks to our sponsors
