Know Your Bum. Know Your Body.

Most symptoms turn out to be nothing serious. But if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Cancer doesn’t always arrive with flashing lights and dramatic symptoms. Alot of the time it’s subtle and easy to explain away.

Trust your gut. Literally.

Signs and symptoms to look out for:

When should I get checked?

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, especially if they’ve lasted for three weeks or more, speak to your GP. Most people who experience these symptoms will not have cancer. But if it is something serious, finding it early can make a huge difference.

No symptom is too embarrassing and no question is too small. Getting checked isn’t making a fuss - it’s looking after yourself.

Changes to your poo

  • Going more often than usual

  • Constipation that won’t go away

  • Diarrhoea that keeps coming back

  • Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels

Unexpected weight loss

  • Losing weight without trying

  • Reduced appetite

Other changes

  • Anything unusual that lasts for more than a few weeks

  • Symptoms that keep returning

  • A change that simply doesn’t feel normal for you

Bleeding

  • Blood in your poo

  • Blood on the toilet paper

  • Bleeding from your bottom

Changes in your tummy

  • Persistent tummy pain

  • Bloating that doesn’t settle

  • A lump in your tummy

Feeling tired

  • Ongoing fatigue

  • Feeling breathless

  • Looking pale

  • Low iron levels or anaemia

TRUSTED SUPPORT & RESOURCES:

Click on the logo to go directly to their website. Booty Call CIC cannot take responsibility for any advice or guidance sought from 3rd party organisations.

OUTpatients

OUTpatients is the UK’s only LGBTQ+ cancer charity. They provide peer support, community connections, information and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people affected by cancer, helping ensure nobody faces a diagnosis feeling isolated or unseen.

NHS

The NHS provides trusted health information, symptom guidance and advice on when to seek medical help. If you’re worried about a symptom, your GP should always be your first port of call.

Macmillan

Macmillan provides practical, emotional and financial support for people living with cancer. From information and support services to help with work, money and wellbeing, they’re there every step of the way.

Bowel Cancer UK

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. They provide expert information on symptoms, screening, diagnosis and treatment, while campaigning to improve outcomes and save lives.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Switchboard is a confidential listening service run by and for LGBTQ+ people. Whether you need support, information or simply someone to talk to, their volunteers are there to listen without judgement.

A quick reality check: Dan’s symptoms started with tiredness, breathlessness and changes to his bowel habits. There was no dramatic warning sign. If something feels different, don’t spend months convincing yourself it’s nothing.

Get it checked!