When to see your doctor

Most gut symptoms settle. Make an appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Blood in your stool, or black, tarry bowel motions.
• A lasting change in your usual bowel habit (looser, more often, or new constipation) that sticks around for a few weeks.
• Losing weight without trying to.
• Tummy pain that keeps coming back or wakes you at night.
• Trouble swallowing, or food feeling like it gets stuck.
• Feeling very tired, or being told you're low in iron without a clear reason.
• A family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

These symptoms do not tell you the cause, but they are worth checking. Screening is for eligible people who may feel well; new symptoms need their own assessment.

Make the appointment more useful

Write down when the change began, whether it is constant or comes and goes, and any related bowel, swallowing or general symptoms. Bring a current medicine and supplement list. If bleeding is part of the concern, note its colour and whether it was mixed through the stool or only on the paper. A short description is enough; you do not need a perfect diary.

Your doctor may ask about family history, previous scopes or tests, recent travel, antibiotics, weight change and how the problem affects eating or daily life. These questions help them choose the next step; they do not mean a particular diagnosis has already been made.

Do not let embarrassment delay the conversation

Bowel symptoms are common medical topics. If words feel awkward, start with: “My usual pattern has changed and it has lasted for…” You can ask for an interpreter, support person or a clinician of a particular gender where available. If symptoms worsen while you are waiting for an appointment, seek earlier advice rather than waiting for the original date.

Call 000 (or go to your nearest emergency department) for heavy rectal bleeding, severe or sudden tummy pain, persistent vomiting, or if you feel very unwell.