We need to talk

Bowel checker

Genetic, environmental or lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of bowel cancer, an umbrella term for cancer anywhere in the large bowel, including in the colon and rectum.

“One in 17 UK men are diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime,” says Claire Coughlan, clinical lead at Bowel Cancer UK.

“Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. However, studies have shown that men can be more reluctant to seek support for medical problems than women, downplaying symptoms or not seeking help until it’s an emergency.”

In the pharmacy, knowing which symptoms can indicate bowel cancer may save a customer’s life.

Symptoms to be mindful of include bleeding from the bottom, blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits, such as a change in texture or density of the stool, constipation, bloating or feeling like you still need to go after having been to the toilet.

“Men might also experience unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or a pain or lump in their abdomen,” says Claire.

What to watch out for

The NHS recommends that anyone experiencing any of these symptoms for three weeks or more should visit their doctor.

However, there is the possibility that people may not have picked up on their symptoms, or they may have dismissed them.

This is why it is so important for men aged 50 and older to complete the free, NHS bowel screening kit when it is sent to them.

“Everyone between the ages of 50 and 74 is eligible for bowel cancer screening in England, Scotland and Wales (60 and 74 in Northern Ireland), but men are sadly less likely to take part in the programme than women are,” says Claire.

“While most people return their screening kits once they’re sent one, many kits still go unreturned, due to people forgetting to take them or believing they’re only for people with symptoms.

This is not the case – screening is for people without any symptoms of bowel cancer. Despite this, men are more likely to cite not having symptoms of bowel cancer as a barrier to completing screening kits.”

All people of eligible age should receive their free bowel cancer screening kit in the post every two years.

If the result suggests that further tests are required, they will be invited to an appointment with a specialist nurse who will discuss the results, and next steps.

This will usually involve a colonoscopy, a procedure where a camera is used to check inside the bowel.

If blood is found in someone’s stool, it does not automatically mean they have cancer, but it is important to have it checked out.

“However old men are, if they have symptoms they are concerned about, they should contact their doctor and get them checked out,” says Claire.

“Men of screening age should also prioritise returning their screening test as soon as they receive it. It could save their life.”

Looking after lungs

Around a fifth of all cancer deaths in the UK are due to lung cancer, says research from Cancer Research UK.

“There are around 49,300 new lung cancer cases in the UK every year – that’s more than 130 every day. In UK males, it is the second most common cancer, with around 25,500 new cases every year,” says Megan Winter, health information manager at Cancer Research UK.

“Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but diagnosis at an early stage can significantly improve the chances of survival.”

In some instances, people can be at risk of developing lung cancer due to a family history of the disease or being exposed to environments with chemicals like asbestos, and air pollution.

However, Megan notes, there is one thing many people can do to drastically limit their risk. “Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK,” says Megan.

“Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and to reduce your risk of cancer.”

There may be no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in its early stages, but pharmacy teams should look out for the following in customers:

• A persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent breathlessness
• Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing.

“Symptoms of lung cancer include a long-lasting cough or change to an existing cough, a chest infection that doesn’t get better or comes back, and a hoarse voice,” says Megan.

An ache or pain in the chest or shoulder is another general symptom.

Megan underlines the importance of having any of these symptoms – or anything else that is not normal for that person – checked out.

“In most cases it won’t be cancer,” she says, “but if it is, spotting it early can make a real difference.”

Importantly, pharmacy team members can reassure customers presenting with or worried about symptoms that lung cancer can be treated, and to take each step at a time.

The best way to help is by ensuring a customer gets an urgent appointment. “Pharmacy staff can play an important role in supporting people to seek help and overcome barriers to making a GP appointment,” says Megan.

“By offering guidance on next steps, they can give people the confidence and support to talk to their doctor about potential signs of lung cancer.”