April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, led by Bowel Cancer UK with support from organisations such as the NHS and Cancer Research UK. Its aim is clear: to help people recognise possible warning signs and seek advice early.

Digestive symptoms are incredibly common, and in most cases, they’re linked to non-serious conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But because bowel cancer can share similar symptoms, it’s not always easy to know when to get checked out.

In brief, IBS symptoms come and go and improve after bowel movements, while bowel cancer symptoms tend to persist, worsen, or include red flags like rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss. If symptoms are new, ongoing, or unusual, you should seek medical advice, particularly if you are over 50.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this IBS or something more serious?” you’re not alone. Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident about what to look out for and when to seek support.

At Check4Cancer, we are advocates of early cancer detection. Our aim is to educate and enable people who take a proactive approach to their health. Read on for our guide to telling the signs of bowel cancer and IBS apart.

Common symptoms of IBS

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel movements (diarrhoea, constipation, or both)
• Symptoms that improve after going to the toilet

IBS may be triggered by factors such as stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes. Symptoms come and go and improve after going to the toilet. They vary from person to person, but they often follow a familiar pattern over time.

It's natural to feel worried when you experience changes in your body, especially when it comes to digestion. But understanding your symptom patterns and triggers can help you feel more in control and recognise when something is worth discussing with your GP.

What are the key bowel cancer symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer or colon cancer) can develop slowly and be mistaken for less serious conditions like IBS, which is why awareness and screening are so important.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is important to get them checked:

• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in your stool
• A change in bowel habit lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Some people have a higher risk of bowel cancer than others. Common risk factors include family history, poor diet, being overweight, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Getting symptoms checked early can make a meaningful difference to the nature and effectiveness of treatment. Screening programmes and home testing kits (such as stool tests) also play an important role in identifying early signs of bowel cancer, often before symptoms appear.

What's the difference between IBS and bowel cancer symptoms?

While IBS and colorectal cancer share similar symptoms, knowing the key differences can help guide your next steps.

IBS symptoms tend to fluctuate and can improve after bowel movements. In contrast, symptoms of colon cancer are more likely to last longer and worsen over time.

Here are some of the key similarities and differences to be aware of:

Common symptoms and signs	IBS	Bowel Cancer
Stomach cramps
Abdominal pains
Stool changes (such as diarrhoea, constipation, or both)
Rectal bleeding/blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue (caused by anaemia)
Persistent symptoms that last or worsen over time
Change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks

If you are experiencing any of the common signs or symptoms of bowel cancer, it's important to seek medical advice.

Can doctors diagnose IBS and rule out bowel cancer?

Your GP can assess IBS and other digestive conditions, such as coeliac disease, by looking at your symptoms, medical history and, if needed, arranging further tests.

If there is any uncertainty, they may carry out further diagnostic tests to rule out bowel cancer, such as:

• Blood and stool tests
• Imaging tests such as a CT scan
• A colonoscopy - a procedure in which a camera is used to examine the inside of the bowel for any abnormalities.

A colonoscopy can help identify cancer or polyps in the bowel, and some polyps can be removed before they become cancerous.

Supporting early detection during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

If you are experiencing possible bowel cancer symptoms, it is important to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

If you do not have symptoms but want proactive reassurance - perhaps because you have a family history, or simply want to take a more informed approach to your health - Check4Cancer’s bowel screening kits offer a convenient and private way to check for possible early signs.

Our kits are non-invasive, easy to use, and results are available within five working days. But our support doesn't end there. Our team can help you understand what your result means and guide you on the most appropriate next steps.

Order an at-home bowel cancer screening kit or explore our other pages for more bowel cancer information:

What is bowel cancer?

How bowel cancer is diagnosed

Visit Bowel Cancer UK

Meet Professor Andrew Beggs, Our Clinical Advisor for Bowel Cancer

Professor Andrew Beggs is a Professor of Cancer Genetics & Surgery at the University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Find out more.

Frequently asked questions about IBS and bowel cancer

What are the overlapping symptoms of IBS and bowel cancer?

There are some overlapping symptoms between IBS and bowel cancer, which is why confusion is understandable.

• Abdominal pain - Both conditions can cause abdominal pain, although IBS pain often improves after a bowel movement.
• Stomach cramps - Cramping is common in IBS, but can also occur in colorectal cancer.
• Stool changes - Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhoea or constipation, can occur in both IBS and colon cancer.

Can IBS turn into bowel cancer?

IBS does not increase your cancer risk or your likelihood of developing bowel cancer. However, having IBS can sometimes make it harder to recognise new or unusual symptoms, which is why it’s important to monitor patterns and symptoms and act on any noticeable changes.

What is the difference between IBS and inflammatory bowel disease?

IBS is a condition that affects how the bowel works but does not cause inflammation or damage.

In contrast, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and can be linked to a higher colorectal cancer risk over time.

A Final Word

Most digestive symptoms are not caused by cancer. But if symptoms are new, persistent or unusual for you, it is important to have them checked.

It is worth speaking to a healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms last more than 2–3 weeks
• You notice rectal bleeding
• You experience unexplained weight loss
• You have a family history of colorectal cancer

Early diagnosis of bowel cancer can make all the difference, and in many cases, it can lead to more effective and less invasive treatment. Taking that first step could be one of the most important decisions you make for your health.