Krystal Maeyke, a 39-year-old mom from Australia, believed her sharp stomach pains and exhaustion were the result of a food allergy or being overworked. “I was having sharp stabbing pains, very tired, unexplained night sweats, loss of appetite, irregular bowel movements, and feeling like s**t,” she said in a TikTok video, according to People. But she brushed it off. “I was very healthy and fit,” she added, assuming her active lifestyle meant nothing could be seriously wrong.For three months, Krystal ignored her worsening symptoms until the pain became unbearable. She was eventually airlifted to a hospital 280 miles away by the Royal Flying Doctors Service. At Alice Springs Hospital, she underwent several tests. On May 30, 2023, she was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer. “That’s when I knew it was something serious,” Krystal said. “I was woken up later that night by a doctor whose words I will never forget. ‘Krystal, I’ve got bad news…. You have cancer.’” She recalled asking how they knew. “The doctor’s response: ‘It’s everywhere,’ shook me to my core.”What are some early warning signs of bowel cancer that people commonly overlook, and why are they easy to misread?Dr Amit Upadhyay, senior consultant – Oncology and Hemato-oncology at PSRI hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Early signs of bowel cancer are often subtle and easily mistaken for common gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms like persistent abdominal discomfort, bloating, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhoea), unexplained fatigue, and occasional rectal bleeding are frequently overlooked. People may dismiss these signs as being related to stress, poor diet, menstruation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).” In addition, weight loss and night sweats, if present, are often not immediately linked to cancer, especially in younger patients. These signs are easy to misread because they are nonspecific and can occur in many benign conditions. As a result, delays in diagnosis are common, especially when symptoms are not severe or intermittent.Distinguishing between lifestyle-related symptoms and those that may signal something more seriousTo differentiate between benign and potentially severe symptoms, Dr Upadhyay says, both patients and doctors need to consider duration, pattern, and progression. If symptoms such as fatigue, pain, or bowel irregularities persist for more than a few weeks, recur frequently, or worsen gradually, they warrant further investigation. Keeping a symptom diary can help patients track these changes over time. Story continues below this ad“For physicians, listening attentively to the patient’s concerns and ordering basic diagnostic tests—such as a complete blood count, stool test for blood, or imaging—can help identify red flags early. Risk factors such as family history, age, or a personal history of polyps should also influence the threshold for further evaluation,” notes Dr Upadhyay. Given Krystal’s diagnosis of metastatic bowel cancer at stage 4, what is typically the prognosis at this stage?Stage 4 bowel cancer indicates that the disease has spread beyond the bowel to other organs, commonly the liver or lungs. Although this stage is considered advanced, treatment options have undergone significant improvements. The prognosis varies depending on the patient’s overall health, extent of metastasis, and response to treatment. The 5-year survival rate at this stage is lower, but many patients can live several years with appropriate care. “Treatment often includes a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and sometimes surgery to remove metastatic lesions. Palliative care is also essential for managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach with regular follow-up can provide both symptom relief and emotional support during treatment,” concludes Dr Upadhyay. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.