For thousands of hard-working Aussies, weariness is not a symptom they’d blink twice at.
But according to experts, persistent fatigue could be one of the earliest – and most overlooked – signs of something far more sinister.
A staggering one in 20 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer (Australia’s second deadliest cancer) every year, and the hidden, ‘non-specific’ symptoms are the main cause of late detection.
While other symptoms like blood in the stool or dramatic weight loss are more widely known, Councillor and Gastroenterologist, Associate Professor William Tam is urging Australians to pay attention to their own body.
‘A lot of cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed quite late because there may have not been any signs, but one of the earliest symptoms is lethargy and tiredness,’ he told FEMAIL.
‘It’s so important for patients know their bowel habits, changes in appetite, weight, or the more obvious like rectal bleeding or blood in your stools too.’
Spotting these signs early could mean the difference between a curable condition and a life-threatening diagnosis.
Bowel cancers can cause slow internal bleeding, which over time can lead to iron deficiency and anemia manifesting as fatigue, shortness of breath and general feelings of being ‘under the weather’.
A staggering one-in-20 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer (Australia’s second deadliest cancer) every year, but one of the earliest symptoms is lethargy and tiredness.
Early detection is now easier than ever for Australians through a simple at-home universal bowel cancer screening test and a visit to the GP. Pictured: Councillor and Gastroenterologist, Associate Professor William Tam (left), and Functional Gut Nutritionist Greta Rose Thurgood (right)
Other overlooked symptoms include bloating and mild abdominal discomfort – signs often attributed to common issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or stress.
‘Any change in bowel motion is always warranted to go and get a further opinion, whether it’s by a practitioner or a gastroenterologist,’ Functional Gut Nutritionist Greta Rose Thurgood told FEMAIL.
‘Another thing you want to look out for is really dark, sticky black stools. That means the blood has been already digested and you’re bleeding further up in the digestive tract.
‘That’s where we can see the unexplained fatigue, because of really low iron levels due to losing blood through your gut.
‘Other non-gut related issues could include things like eczema, psoriasis and skin issues.’
For those concerned, early detection is now easier than ever for Australians through a simple at-home universal bowel cancer screening test and a visit to the GP.
Australians aged between 45-71 are automatically eligible.
A fibre-rich diet is key: ‘Simple swaps to your diet like adding chia seeds and oats for breakfast, or if you enjoy eggs on toast, add veggies like a spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes too,’ Greta told FEMAIL
For those younger – for whom Doctor Tam says bowel cancer diagnoses are becoming a lot more prevalent – the same test can be organised through a GP if your symptoms sound alarm bells.
‘In Australia, statistics are that one in nine new bowel cancer diagnoses are now occurring in under the 50 age group,’ Doctor Tam said.
There are also lifestyle and diet changes that can significantly help keep your gut healthy and working at an optimal level.
Greta credits one food group in particular, and that’s gut-loving fibre.
‘Although protein is a big fad at the moment, it’s not feeding our microbiome,’ she said.
‘We all need more fibre – it’s a huge, huge prevention. Simple swaps to your diet like adding chia seeds and oats for breakfast, or if you enjoy eggs on toast, add veggies like spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes too.
‘For lunch, have a good base of carbohydrate like brown rice, quinoa or buckwheat and aim for at least five vegetables, and then a good form of protein is fantastic’
For a quick and easy fibre intake, Greta highly recommended a powder supplement called PGHH.
This is a virtually tasteless supplement blend that can be added into a smoothie, water or your morning team or coffee.
‘It’s important for everyone to be aware that lifestyle factors contribute to your general wellbeing, including your gut health,’ Doctor Tam said.
‘We also know that the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has been associated with improved treatment outcomes and improved survival.’