A doctor has issued a series of warnings regarding 'pain-free' bowel cancer symptoms as cases rise among Gen Z.

The incidence of bowel cancer, recognized as the fourth most prevalent cancer in the UK according to Cancer Research, is increasing among younger adults globally. Statistics show that only one out of every 20 cases in the UK occurs in individuals under 50.

While this rise has been labeled a 'growing global phenomenon,' it is crucial to understand that 54 percent of cases are preventable. This highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early.

Dr. Jack Ogden, a GP at The Lagom Clinic in Bristol, has shared with the Daily Mail several 'subtle' warning signs that are 'often overlooked' - beyond persistent and new diarrhoea and blood in the stool.

A doctor has warned about five specific 'silent' and pain-free signs of bowel cancer (Getty Stock Images)

"Being aware of these silent signs can save lives. Attending to subtle changes and acting quickly is the best defense against colon cancer," he emphasized.

Iron deficiency anaemia

According to Dr. Ogden, the first and 'commonly overlooked' sign is iron deficiency anaemia.

This can manifest as 'unexplained fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath.'

The NHS describes iron deficiency anaemia as being caused by insufficient iron, often due to blood loss or pregnancy. It's treated with iron supplements and a diet rich in iron.

The condition implies that the body lacks enough red blood cells to circulate oxygen, leading to symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches, and dizziness.

This occurs because tumors can bleed, causing iron loss and inflammation that creates a protein interfering with iron absorption.

Toilet problems

The doctor also mentions that constipation, diarrhoea, or suddenly noticing narrower stools without a clear cause is another key 'easy-to-dismiss' and subtle indication of bowel cancer.

Thin stools may indicate that a tumor is obstructing the colon, compressing the stool into a narrower shape.

Constipation, diarrhoea, or unexpectedly thin stools without a clear cause is another key 'easy-to-dismiss' symptom (Getty Stock Images)

Unexplained weight loss

The third sign, according to Dr. Ogden, is losing weight without altering diet or increasing exercise.

Alarmingly, the doctor noted that this doesn't have to be a sudden weight loss as it can also be subtle or gradual.

This weight loss is often due to increased metabolic demand, loss of appetite, and tumors hindering nutrient absorption.

Bloating

The fourth 'subtle' sign of bowel cancer, Dr. Ogden says, is bloating and abdominal discomfort.

This symptom may present as 'persistent cramping' or a sensation of fullness quickly after eating.

Blood in stool

The fifth sign is the presence of blood in your stool.

This may not always be an obvious symptom as the blood can be dark or hidden, detectable only through stool tests.

If stools are dark red or black, it can be an indication of bleeding higher up in the bowel due to cancer, whereas bright red blood is most commonly attributed to haemorrhoids (piles).

You can learn more about bowel cancer on the official NHS website here.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak to someone confidentially, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line at 0808 808 00 00, available from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.