Bowel cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer in the UK, and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. The condition affects any part of the large bowel, encompassing both the colon and rectum, with severity varying based on the tumour’s size, whether it has metastasised, and the patient’s overall health. Screening for bowel cancer can identify early warning signs, potentially making treatment more straightforward.
One young woman on social media diagnosed with colon cancer at just 24 has revealed the three warning signs that prompted her to seek medical attention, ultimately leading to her diagnosis. Paige Seifert posted a video on TikTok explaining that she was told she had stage three colon cancer, which falls under the wider bowel cancer category, at the start of 2025, aged only 24.
Stage three is second-most serious stage of cancer, meaning it has spread to surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, but usually hasn’t reached other organs. Paige outlined three crucial symptoms that prompted her to consult a doctor, whilst stressing that these indicators don’t necessarily signify cancer, and people shouldn’t be alarmed if they experience them.
She explained: “I want to preface this by saying that just because you have all three of these symptoms does not mean you have colon cancer. In fact, statistically speaking, you probably don’t. These symptoms are linked to things like IBS, coeliac, and a number of other things. So don’t freak out, I’m just explaining my personal story.”
1. Blood in the stool
Among the most prevalent indicators of bowel cancers, including colon cancer, is the presence of blood in your faeces. Paige revealed this symptom was the clearest sign that something was amiss with her health, prompting her to seek medical attention.
She explained: “A lot of people ask what it looked like, the frequency, all the jazz. But if you’re seeing blood in your stool [at all], that’s your number one [sign to] go see a doctor. Of course, it can be chalked up to [something like] haemorrhoids, and that’s what the first four doctors I saw told me that it was, but it’s better to have a doctor confirm that.”
2. Fatigue
Experiencing fatigue can signal countless conditions, ranging from vitamin deficiencies to lifestyle factors to cancer, so tiredness alone might not warrant a diagnosis. However, if you experience persistent fatigue alongside other symptoms, medical consultation may be necessary.
Paige elaborated: “I know everyone in this day and age is fatigued, but cancer fatigue is a whole other level. I’m not the kind of person who can fall asleep in the middle of the day or take naps, but my eyes were slamming shut all the time. It didn’t matter if I got 12 hours of sleep; I was just exhausted.”
3. Stomach discomfort
Bowel cancers can affect your digestive system, meaning abdominal discomfort is frequently experienced. The intensity can differ, and it may also indicate various other ailments and conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. However, it’s always advisable to have these symptoms examined to determine the underlying cause.
Paige explained: “I’m not going to go into depth here, as I honestly can’t remember what it felt like, and as a woman, this can be chalked up to a million different things, just like the rest of these symptoms. But all of these combined just made me feel like something had to be wrong.”
She concluded her video by emphasising that she consulted four different doctors before receiving her actual diagnosis, stating the “main message” she would convey to people is that if you sense something is amiss with your body, you should “advocate for yourself” and persist in seeking answers.
Bowel cancer symptoms
According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer
When to consult a GP
If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more, it’s advisable to book an appointment with your GP. However, if your stool is black or dark red, or if you have bloody diarrhoea, you should dial 111 for an emergency appointment.
In case of non-stop bleeding from your backside, or if there’s a significant amount of blood, for instance, if the toilet water turns red or you notice large blood clots, call 999 or head to A&E immediately.
For additional information, visit the NHS website.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
