Latest news with #bowelCancer
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Mum-of-two, 44, dies after mistaking bloating and fatigue for perimenopause before being rushed to A&E
A MUM-of-two put worrying symptoms down to perimenopause - barely a year later, she passed away. Laura Dawson, 44, suffered with bloating and fatigue for several months. 11 11 11 Initially, she thought her symptoms were linked to perimenopause - the transitional period before menopause, where oestrogen levels start to drop and hot flashes and menstrual changes can start. But one night in March last year, Laura had to be rushed to A&E because her stomach pain suddenly got so bad she "could not move". The mum-of-two underwent emergency surgery to remove an obstruction on her bowel. The operation itself was successful, but a biopsy revealed she had bowel cancer. Prior to her diagnosis, Laura hadn't experienced many of the typical symptoms of the disease, which include changes in bowel habits or unintentional weight loss. Fatigue is one of the most common signs of cancer. For bowel cancer, extreme tiredness and shortness of breath can be signs of anaemia, which can be caused by the disease. Meanwhile, bloating is often brought on by digestive issues but if it persists for three weeks or more, this can suggest something more serious. Laura underwent six months of chemotherapy and initially the scans were "promising", according to her husband Ben, 49. He said: "We got one clear scan in August and it all seemed promising. But then in September we got the news that it was back and it had spread. NHS rolls out bowel cancer screening to 50 and 52-year-olds after Dame Debs' campaigning "That was absolutely gut wrenching." Initially, Laura trialled some other forms of chemotherapy - but two months ago she decided to discontinue treatment, as it was only making her more ill. Instead, she wanted to spend what time she had left with her family and friends, making precious memories and "living more fully". Laura was supported by St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham, south east London, who allowed her to live at home for as long as she could - meaning she could enjoy her family's company in a "comfortable and dignified way". 11 11 11 After two weeks, she was transferred to in-hospice care. She died at St Christopher's Hospice on June 29. Ben, who was with Laura at the end, said her death was "peaceful". He continued: "The care Laura received at home from the carers from St Christopher's allowed her to have her final two weeks at home in a comfortable and dignified way. "Then, during the nearly three weeks she stayed at the hospice, she was so well looked after - and everyone there was so compassionate and so caring - that it made Laura's last few days so good for her. "We're eternally grateful that such a positive experience could come from such a negative situation." 'Happiest days of my life' Despite knowing she was dying, Laura previously said some of her final days were some of her "happiest". She said: "Some of the happiest days of my life have been in the last few weeks. "As a society, we shy away from the process of dying. "By doing that, we reinforce negative ideas around death. People think death is always going to be painful and traumatic, but it doesn't have to be. "Deep down we all know we are going to die. Cancer has forced me to acknowledge it. "Since then I've lived more fully than I've ever done, and that has been a gift." What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease. Ben explained that he and Laura viewed the time they had together as a blessing - even if they both wished they had longer. He said: "Laura could have died on that operating table back in March. Life can be cut short unexpectedly and suddenly. "But knowing Laura was going to die meant everyone had the opportunity to say what they wanted to say to her. "When it comes to the funeral, I won't have to stand up there and say all those things I wished I had said to her. Because I told her, and so did the kids. "Obviously, I'd prefer to keep her - and have her for the rest of my life. "But she died knowing she is loved and that we will miss her endlessly. That is a blessing." 11 11 11 Ben said that throughout the process, he and Laura "spoke very openly" with their sons Jacob, 17, and Theo, 15. Ben said: "We've always told them what the possible outcomes are - because we want to prepare them for what might happen and we want them to be able to trust what we're saying. "That's definitely helped us throughout." Ben said that Laura wanted to share her story to help other people deal with dying and death. He said: "The way she's approached this has been incredible. I don't think there's been a day in this process where Laura truly let this get to her. "This is unfair. She's had her life cut short by 40 or 50 years. But she's seeing the beauty in the small things - taking joy in what she can do. "They say people are glass half empty or glass half full. Laura was always happy enough just to have a glass. "She wants to share that with people." Laura also used what time she had left to create memories for her loved ones - writing letters, organising mementos and buying sentimental gifts to be remembered by. "She bought me [a watch] when we got engaged and now the boys have one too," Ben said. "That way, on special occasions, like their weddings, they can look at it and know she's with them and thought about that day." Speaking about Laura, Ben continued: "We met 24 years ago. They talk about love at first sight - and it was that. "She's been my constant companion ever since. "Laura is generous to a fault - and the kind of person who is friends with someone after a minute of chatting to them. "She's just a really, really nice person." You can donated to St Christopher's Hospice here, Cancer Research here and Guy's and St Thomas' - where Laura was treated - here. 11 11
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mum of two, 44, suffers gut problem that affects everyone...15 months later she was dead from bowel cancer
A 'kind' and 'generous' mother-of-two died just 15 months after receiving a devastating bowel cancer diagnosis—after initially putting her bloating down to the menopause. Laura Dawson, 44, from London, suffered with bloating and fatigue for months before her diagnosis, which she suspected was linked to hormonal changes in her body. But after the pain became so bad she 'could not move', she was rushed to A&E where scans revealed the true devastating cause. Doctors removed the obstruction from her bowel that was causing the debilitating pain and a biopsy confirmed stage three cancer in March 2024. This meant the disease had already spread to nearby lymph nodes. While the family received a clear scan in August, following six months of chemotherapy, just a month later, Ms Dawson was told the cancer had spread further. At stage four, only ten per cent of bowel cancer patients will survive five years after their diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK. Recalling the moment they got the devastating news, her husband, Ben, 49, said the family were heartbroken. 'In September we got the news that the cancer was back and it had spread. 'That was absolutely gut wrenching.' Ms Dawson underwent more than six months of grueling chemotherapy. But, unfortunately, this failed to bring the disease under control and the mother-of-two was only getting sicker. Two months ago, Ms Dawson made the decision to discontinue treatment and spend what little time she had left surrounded by friends and family. Shortly before her death, Ms Dawson was transferred to in-hospice care at St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham, where she spoke about how the diagnosis changed her view on dying. 'Some of the happiest days of my life have been in the last few weeks,' she said. 'As a society, we shy away from the process of dying. By doing that, we reinforce negative ideas around death. 'People think death is always going to be painful and traumatic, but it doesn't have to be. 'Deep down we all know we are going to die. Cancer has forced me to acknowledge it. Since then I've lived more fully than I've ever done, and that has been a gift'. She died 'peacefully' with her husband by her side on June 29. Ben also commented on the impact the cancer had on their two sons, Jacob, 17, and Theo 15. 'We've spoken very openly about it all the way through', he said. 'We've always told them what the possible outcomes are—because we want to prepare them for what might happen and we want them to be able to trust what we're saying. 'That's definitely helped us throughout.' He added that whilst his wife will be missed 'endlessly', the way she turned her story into something to help other people facing the death of a loved one was 'incredible'. 'I don't think there was a day that Laura truly let this get to her,' he said. 'They say people are glass half empty or glass half full. Laura was always happy enough just to have a glass and she wanted to share that with people.' Ms Dawson's devastating story comes amid a rise in bowel cancer among young people, defined in cancer terms as those under 50. Common symptoms of the disease include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, needing to go more frequently or with more urgency, abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. A recent global study found rates of bowel cancer in under 50 year-olds are rising in 27 of 50 nations. England is averaging a 3.6 per cent rise in younger adults every year-one of the highest increases recorded. While the disease is known linked to obesity, experts have noted that the disease also seems to also be occurring in fit and healthy patients. Some experts believe the explanation must lie in environmental factors young people have been exposed to more than previous generations. There are around 2,600 new bowel cancer cases in people aged 25-49 in Britain every year, and around 44,100 new cases among all ages. Around 44,000 cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK, with about 130,000 in the US. The disease kills almost 17,000 Britons each year, with the death toll rising to about 50,000 in America. Overall, just over half of bowel cancer patients are expected to be alive 10 years after their diagnosis. Ms Dawson's family are now encouraging people to St Christopher's Hospice, or Cancer Research, and to take pleasure in the small things, because 'life can be cut short unexpectedly.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Safety alert for over-the-counter remedy taken by millions - after pills trigger disease that fuels bowel cancer in healthy 18 year-old
Frequently taking a common type of painkiller could trigger inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—raising the risk of bowel cancer—experts warn. Medics raised the alarm after treating an 18-year-old boy who developed colitis—a type of IBD—after taking over-the-counter allergy and pain relief medication continuously for almost three years. IBD is a known risk factor for bowel cancer and experts have long warned that those who have had the condition for years are at increased risk of developing the disease. The unnamed American teen sought medical help for bleeding from his rectum and extreme fatigue—according to doctors who shared his tale in a medical journal. He told medics he had been taking diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter hay fever medication and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), daily to combat debilitating headaches and allergies for almost three years. NSAIDs are a class of painkiller—famous examples being ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen—which are commonly used to alleviate pain and swelling. Pills combining diphenhydramine and NSAID are available in both the US the UK under brands like Advil PM and Motrin PM, as pain relief and sleep aids. While not naming the brand of medication the teenager took, doctors said he had taken the equivalent of 600mg of NSAIDs twice a day. Brands that make diphenhydramine and NSAID combination pills warn patients not to take more than two tablets in 24 hours, equivalent to around 400mg of NSAID. Medics then performed a colonoscopy—where a thin flexible camera is inserted into the rectum—and found the tissue inside was severely inflamed. Writing in the journal Cureus, medics said he was then diagnosed with colitis, a form of IBD which specifically develops in the colon. They theorised that his frequent use of NSAID drugs had disrupted the production of mucus that protects the digestive system, causing irritation. Irritation of the digestive system is a known risk of these drugs and as result they can lead to bleeding, ulcers and potentially colitis. Some studies have linked using NSAID drugs with an 86 per cent increased chance of developing colitis. The medics who reported the case said these increased risks are why doctors often prescribe a separate medication to patients' who have to take NSAIDs frequently for chronic pain issues, in order to protect their guts from this potential damage. However, they noted that their patient was an extreme example and occasionally using a medication like ibuprofen will not carry the same risk. But they added that the risk is something to be aware of given how readily patients are able to take these over-the-counter medications without medical supervision. 'Given the widespread availability of these medications and their over-the-counter accessibility, it is imperative that patients suffering from chronic inflammation or long-term pain be advised to avoid NSAIDs, or to use them only under the direct guidance of a supervising clinician,' they said. WHAT IS INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a medical term that describes a group of conditions in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen). Two major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine (colon) whereas Crohn's disease can occur in any part of the intestines. Symptoms may include: Abdominal cramps and pain frequent Watery diarrhoea (may be bloody) Severe urgency to have a bowel movement Fever during active stages of disease Loss of appetite and weight loss Tiredness and fatigue anaemia (due to blood loss) People of any age can get IBD, but it's usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. The conditions are chronic and cannot be cured so treatment usually relies on medication and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms, but may include surgery. IBD is thought to affect some three million people in the US, over 300,000 Britons, and 85,000 Australians. Source: Crohn's & Colitis Australia In the teen's case, once he was stable, he was prescribed anti-IBD drugs and told to stop using NSAIDs. However, despite being scheduled for a follow-up colonoscopy, he never attended, so medics were unable to determine how successful this had been. For years scientists have been unsure exactly what causes IBD to develop in some patients but not others. Earlier this year, however, researchers in London discovered a genetic weakness present in 95 per cent of people with IBD. An estimated half a million Britons and some 3million Americans are thought to have IBD, with the condition affecting more than 10million globally. IBD arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the bowel, causing an array of debilitating symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea and blood in stools. The disease can also cause sudden weight loss and crippling fatigue. While no cure is available, symptoms can be managed with drugs. These tend to be most effective when given soon after diagnosis. Estimates vary on exactly how much having IBD increases the risk of bowel cancer, with some charities citing studies which found it raises it by 7 per cent compared to the general population. But charities are keen to highlight that the vast majority of patients with IBD won't develop the disease. They do, however, advise people with IDB to keep in mind other risk factors for the cancer, such as smoking, drinking alcohol and being overweight that could further increase their individual risk. It comes as experts have repeatedly warned of a concerning and mysterious rise in rates of bowel cancer among under 50s. A recent global study found rates of bowel cancer in under 50 year-olds are rising in 27 of 50 nations. England is averaging a 3.6 per cent rise in younger adults every year-one of the highest increases recorded. While the disease is known to be linked to obesity, experts have noted that the disease also seems to also be occurring in fit and healthy patients. Some believe the explanation must lie in environmental factors young people have been exposed to more than previous generations. Signs of bowel cancer include abdominal pain, a lump in the abdomen, bloating and feeling very tired or short of breath. Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in the stool, occurs when cancerous tumours bleed into the digestive tract. However, bowel cancer can also appear with no symptoms until it has spread, where it becomes harder to treat. Overall, just over half of bowel cancer patients are expected to be alive 10 years after their diagnosis.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts discover popular spice could help beat bowel cancer - daily dose wards off tumours, study suggests
Adding a dose of turmeric to your daily diet might help keep bowel cancer at bay, scientists say. A study has found that curcumin—the compound that gives turmeric its bright orange colour—can block the growth of early cancer cells in the bowel. Experts at the University of Leicester say the spice appears to disarm rogue cells before they can multiply and form tumours, potentially preventing the disease. They discovered that curcumin latches on to a key protein used by these dangerous cells to spread—and stops it working. In lab tests, the team applied supplement-level doses of curcumin to bowel tissue. The results showed the compound halted the growth of cancer stem-like cells, which are believed to be behind both the development and recurrence of tumours. The findings, published in the journal Cancer Letters, suggest curcumin pushes these cells into a more benign state—reducing their ability to divide and take hold. Although more research is needed, experts say the study strengthens evidence that turmeric could one day form part of bowel cancer prevention, particularly in those at higher risk. The scientists also conducted separate tests and studies on mice who had been purposefully infected with cancer cells. They found that curcumin slowed tumour growth and extended the animals' lifespan. The equivalent human dose to the one used in the tests would be between one-and-a-half and two grams of curcumin a day. Turmeric powder contains roughly two to five per cent curcumin by weight—meaning a person would need to consume between 40g and 100g to get 2g of pure curcumin. This is far more than would realistically be found in a normal diet—and for this reason, most studies use supplements which are far more concentrated. The researchers added that turmeric has 'low toxicity and is inexpensive, satisfying many of the requirements of an ideal preventive therapy'. Turmeric, commonly used in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking, has long been regarded as a cancer-fighting super food. It is also a popular supplement, after numerous studies suggested it may have pain-relieving qualities—particularly in easing the symptoms of knee arthritis. Cancer Research UK agrees that curcumin could have huge potential in the fight against cancer, but more investigation was needed, particularly into dosage. On its website, it reads: 'There is some evidence that curcumin, a substance in turmeric, can kill cancer cells in certain cancers. 'At the moment there is no clear evidence in humans to show that turmeric or curcumin can prevent or treat cancer. Larger studies are needed.' In the UK around 44,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year—around one person every 12 minutes—and 17,000 die from the disease. Concerningly, The Lancet reported that there's been a 3.6 per cent rise in cases in England, and an increase in younger adults (aged under 50) being told they have the disease. Colorectal (bowel) cancer, long considered a disease of old age, is increasingly striking people in their 20s, 30s and 40s in the US and UK in a phenomenon that has baffled doctors. The disease does still predominantly affect older people, with risks including a poor diet, obesity, eating too much processed meat and not enough fibre. In April, researchers at the University of California San Diego revealed that had found a potential link between bowel cancer and E. coli, a foodborne bacteria that infects around 75,000 to 90,000 Americans each year and at least 1,500 Britons. By analyzing DNA from young colon cancer patients, the team found unique genetic changes in their digestive tracts that appear to raise the risk of tumors forming—likely triggered during childhood, when the body is still developing. They also detected traces of colibactin, a cancer-linked toxin produced by certain strains of E. Coli, lurking in tumors from patients under 40. The most common source of E. Coli is undercooked ground beef, where bacteria can spread during processing. But leafy greens like romaine and spinach are another major culprit, often contaminated in the field through tainted water or contact with livestock.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The £1 spice in your favourite curry that ‘slashes your risk of killer bowel cancer'
EVERY 12 minutes, someone in the UK gets the news they have bowel cancer. And with cases rising, especially in younger adults, trying to prevent the disease is more important than ever. But what if the secret to slashing your risk didn't lie in a new drug or fancy health food - but right there in your spice rack? Scientists from the UK have discovered that curcumin, the bright yellow ingredient in turmeric, commonly used in curries, could help stop bowel cancer in its tracks. The spice, which costs as little as £1 in some supermarkets, has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. And modern science has now begun to explore its potential benefits. It is not currently recommended by doctors to treat any health issues. But new research published in Cancer Letters this month supports earlier findings, that this spice could be a promising, low-risk way to help prevent cancer. The team from the University of Leicester studied tumour samples from 66 bowel cancer patients who agreed to donate their tissue. They exposed these cells to tiny amounts of curcumin over four weeks, mimicking long-term exposure through diet. They discovered that the compound suppressed aggressive, stem-like cancer cells by up to 95 per cent, particularly those found in pre-cancerous growths called adenomas. New Deborah James cancer lab In separate lab tests and studies on mice with cancer, scientists observed that curcumin slowed tumour growth and extended the animals' lifespan. They discovered curcumin works by attaching to and blocking a protein called NANOG, which plays a key role in helping cancer stem cells spread and multiply. To match this dose in humans, you'd need around 1.6 to 2 grams of curcumin daily - the equivalent of about two teaspoons of turmeric powder. That's far more than you'd get from cooking alone so would likely need a supplement. This isn't the first time curcumin has shown potential. Previous research from Temple University in Philadelphia found curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects could help halt the development of several cancers, including breast, lung, and stomach. While these findings are promising, experts stress that more human trials are needed to determine the exact dose and long-term benefits of curcumin supplements for bowel cancer prevention. "There is some evidence that curcumin, a substance in turmeric, can kill cancer cells in certain cancers," Cancer Research UK says on their website. "At the moment there is no clear evidence in humans to show that turmeric or curcumin can prevent or treat cancer," it added. "Larger studies are needed". Bowel cancer is one of the UK's most common cancers, with around 44,000 people diagnosed each year - around one person every 12 minutes - and 17,000 deaths. Rates of the disease are rising among younger adults, with no clear reason why, experts are warning. Although the disease still affects older people far more often, the increase in many countries among the under-50s is concerning, the cancer charity says. England is one the countries with the biggest rise, averaging a 3.6 per cent increase per year, researchers report in the journal Lancet Oncology, Poor diet and obesity may be among the risk factors involved, the researchers say. Eating too much processed meat and not enough fibre can increase the risk. Early symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, weight loss, and stomach pain or lumps. Cancer Research UK says half of cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices. 2 Other foods that could lower your risk of bowel cancer SO tumeric might have protective benefits, but what else can you try? Charities like Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK recommend the following: Eat at least five portions of vegetables and fruit every day Choose wholegrain varieties of bread, rice and pasta Eat more pulses, such as beans and lentils Eat some fish, chicken, eggs and tofu, but limit red meat and avoid processed meat Drink some milk and eat other dairy foods, but choose low sugar and fat options Choose unsaturated oils and spreads instead of butter, and use in small amounts Avoid food and drinks high in fat or sugar, such as sweets, cakes, crisps and fizzy drinks Eat at least 30g of fibre a day Stay hydrated - aim for six to eight glasses of fluid daily Lower your alcohol intake
