Tips on visiting your GP if you’re worried about bowel cancer

Genevieve Edwards

Chief Executive, Bowel Cancer UK

If you’re worried about potential bowel cancer symptoms, making an appointment with your GP is an important first step towards finding out what might be wrong.

Symptoms, such as bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, changes to your pooing habits or a pain or lump in your tummy, don’t always mean you have the disease, but it’s still important to find the cause.

Discussing bowel symptoms

At Bowel Cancer UK, we know that people can find speaking to their GP about poo embarrassing, so we’ve put together tips to help you prepare for your appointment.

Before your appointment, think about your answers to some common questions the GP may ask. They will want to know what symptoms you’re experiencing, how long you’ve had them and whether there’s anything that makes them better or worse. A good way to prepare is to track symptoms using our symptoms diary.

Your GP may ask about your medical
history, lifestyle and family history.

Bowel cancer risk factors and diagnosis

Your GP may ask about your medical history, lifestyle and family history. Prepare for these questions by thinking about any recent changes in your life, including a new diet or medicines.

During your appointment, mention whether anyone in your close family has had bowel cancer. You may want to speak to relatives about any cancer in the family. Prepare notes before your appointment, such as a list of any medication and questions you want to ask, to help you remember crucial information during your appointment.

Based on your symptoms and history, your GP may refer you for a blood test or arrange a simple-to-use, at-home poo test. This will tell your GP if you need further tests. If you’re worried about your symptoms and your GP doesn’t offer you an at-home test, you can ask about one.

Finding the cause of bowel symptoms

After your appointment, if your symptoms don’t get better, go back to your GP or ask to see another GP. Sometimes, it can take several appointments to find the cause of your symptoms, but it’s important to keep trying. GPs are there to help and ensure you get the right care at the right time.