News 17K views since yesterday

Bowel Cancer Ireland urges patients not to dismiss symptoms

RTÉ News carries Brendan Donlon's warning about blood in stools, persistent bowel changes and seeking a second opinion when concerns go unheard.

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RTÉ News Story of November 3, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of RTÉ News's most watched videos since yesterday, with 17,362 views.

Bowel Cancer Ireland urges people to look out for symptoms #RTÉNews

Embarrassment should not stop people seeking help for bowel symptoms, Bowel Cancer Ireland chair Brendan Donlon tells RTÉ News. His appeal follows the death of Irish Olympian and European champion Ciara Mageean, with the organisation renewing calls for better prevention and screening.

Donlon identifies blood in the stool, whether bright red or black, as a red flag requiring a GP appointment. A change in bowel habits that persists for three weeks should also prompt a consultation, he says, including changes in consistency, shape or regularity.

Other symptoms he highlights include unexplained weight loss, persistent pain or bloating, and ongoing tiredness. His central message is not to wait or dismiss a change.

RTÉ reports that around one in ten bowel cancer diagnoses in Ireland occur in people under 50, while the national BowelScreen programme covers those aged 57 to 71. According to the broadcaster, Mageean was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in July 2025.

The short interview has drawn about 17,000 views since yesterday. It also addresses what happens after someone asks for help: Donlon says women under 50 in his support group often describe having symptoms dismissed as irritable bowel syndrome or premenstrual syndrome.

"And also if you're not being heard, get a second opinion," he says, stressing that patients may need to advocate for themselves to get seen and referred.

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