Still needing the toilet after going can be a bowel cancer warning sign

Published 15:55 11 Oct 2026 GMT+1

Bowel cancer symptoms can often be dismissed so it's important to know the 'red flags' that something is seriously wrong

One of the most common cancers in the UK, over 48,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.

It can affect anyone, regardless of age, but some people often don’t get diagnosed at first as they may not take the symptoms seriously.

And some of the symptoms are similar to that of other issues. In some cases, doctors may initially dismiss symptoms of bowel cancer for the likes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This can cause the likes of stomach pain, diarrhoea and constipation.

But a doctor says there is a key warning sign that can indicate your stomach troubles are due to bowel cancer rather than something else. This is as well as the very vital red flag of blood when you go to the toilet.

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The doctor said to keep an eye of regular incomplete bowel movements. (Getty Stock Image)

Having regular ‘incomplete’ bowel movements is a sign that your stomach problems need to be assessed by a doctor.

Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite, explained to Daily Mail: “The sensation of needing to open your bowels even after you have just been to the toilet.”

She said this is referred to as ‘incomplete bowel emptying’.

“A growth in the bowel or rectum can sometimes cause a feeling of pressure or irritation, or partially obstruct the passage of stool, which can leave someone feeling as though they still need to go even after they have emptied their bowels.”

However, like many of the other symptoms of bowel cancer, having the incomplete movements isn’t always down to this. But if this is a change for you and is happening regularly, it’s important to see your GP.

It's important to know the signs and symptoms. (Getty Stock Image)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as listed by the NHS, you should see a GP. They may include:

If your poo is black or dark red or if you have bloody diarrhoea, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or seek help from NHS 111.

And if you’re bleeding non-stop from your bottom or if when you poo there is a lot of blood or large blood clots, call 999 or go to A&E.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Bowel cancer, NHS, Health, Cancer