Bowel Cancer Symptoms, Signs & Prevention: Dr Anisha Patel’s Story
- Two Women Chatting
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Why knowing your “normal” could save your life
As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, this special bonus episode of Two Women Chatting explores one of the most important health conversations right now: the rise of Bowel Cancer - especially in younger people.
Michelle is joined by Dr Anisha Patel, a GP, author, and bowel cancer survivor who was diagnosed at just 39.
As both a doctor and patient, she shares expert insight alongside her personal experience of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery - offering practical advice on symptoms, screening, and prevention.
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel Cancer (also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer) affects the large bowel and is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
While it has traditionally been associated with older adults, recent research shows a worrying trend:
👉 bowel cancer rates are rising significantly in people under 50.
Why are bowel cancer rates increasing?
According to recent data, bowel cancer cases have risen sharply over the past 25 years.
Dr Anisha explains that while known risk factors include:
* Low fibre diets
* Processed and red meat consumption
* Obesity and inactivity
* Smoking and alcohol
There are also emerging factors being studied, including:
* Gut microbiome changes
* Ultra-processed foods
* Early antibiotic use
* Environmental exposures
In many cases - including Anisha’s - there are no obvious risk factors, making awareness even more critical.
Bowel cancer symptoms: what to look out for
Recognising the early signs of Bowel Cancer can save your life.
Dr Anisha shares a simple acronym to remember the key symptoms:
B – Blood in your stool or when you go to the toilet
O – Obvious change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, urgency)
W – Weight loss without trying
E – Extreme tiredness
L – Lump or persistent abdominal pain
If you experience any of these bowel cancer symptoms for more than three weeks, it’s important to speak to your GP.
Why early detection of bowel cancer matters
Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors in bowel cancer survival.
* When caught early, survival rates are over 95%
* Screening can reduce the risk of dying from bowel cancer by around 25%
In the UK, NHS bowel cancer screening kits are sent to people aged 50 and over. These at-home tests are quick, simple, and potentially life-saving.
Yet many people still avoid them due to embarrassment or misunderstanding.
The message is simple: do the test.
A doctor’s experience of bowel cancer
Despite being medically trained, Dr Anisha Patel did not initially recognise her own symptoms.
Her signs were intermittent and easy to dismiss - something many patients experience.
She was eventually diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer and underwent major surgery and chemotherapy.
Her story highlights a key point:
👉 bowel cancer does not always fit the stereotype.
You don’t have to be older, unwell-looking, or “high risk” to be affected.
Life after bowel cancer
One of the most overlooked aspects of cancer is what happens after treatment ends.
Dr Anisha speaks candidly about:
* The physical and emotional impact of recovery
* Living with long-term side effects
* The mental health challenges of survivorship
* Rebuilding identity, confidence, and normal life
Her advocacy work and platform @doctorsgetcancertoo have helped raise awareness and support others navigating similar experiences.
How to reduce your risk of bowel cancer
While not all cases are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
* Increase fibre intake (aim for 30g per day)
* Eat more whole foods, fruit, vegetables, beans, and pulses
* Reduce processed and red meat
* Stay physically active
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
* Take part in screening when invited
Fibre, in particular, is one of the most important - and often overlooked - protective factors for bowel health.
The most important takeaway: know your normal
If there’s one message from this episode, it’s this:
Know what’s normal for your body - and act if something changes.
Whether it’s bowel habits, energy levels, or unexplained symptoms, early action can make all the difference
Listen to the full episode
🎧 This powerful conversation with Dr Anisha Patel is available now on Two Women Chatting.
You can listen on all major podcast platforms. Apple Podcast - Spotify - Amazon Music
📣 Please share this episode during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - raising awareness could save a life.
Useful resources
Dr Anisha Patel @doctorsgetcancertoo
Comments