A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel is another common symptom, usually of cancer of the rectum.
This may lead the person to go to the toilet several times a day. Yet all that is passed is a little wind and sometimes some blood-stained mucus.
Alteration in bowel habits is the next most frequent symptom, and the commonest deviation from normal is constipation.
This may lead to taking increasing amounts of laxatives and so diarrhoea may be caused.
Pain is a late symptom.
Routine screening tests for bowel cancer are becoming common, although these may be too expensive in terms of both time and money when applied to the whole population.
You don’t need to totally change your diet until there is more proof.
But eating more fibre and less animal fat and sugar is probably good for your health, and all forms of alcohol — not only beer — ought to be taken in moderation.
In case you did not know, moderation is three to four drinks a day.
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