The two toilet symptoms of often-missed cancer surging in under-65s – plus 8 other ‘vague’ signs

TWO toilet related symptoms could be the first signs of a hard-to-spot cancer that's on the rise in the UK.

Bile duct cancer - which doctors call cholangiocarcinoma - affects the network of small tubes that connect the liver, gallbladder and small intestine.

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According to Cancer Research UK, around 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with bile duct cancer each year.

Meanwhile, researchers from University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and University College London (UCL) said 5,000 to 6,000 people are diagnosed with the cancer every year - but estimated that true figure could be even higher.

According to data from Cancer Research UK, up to 70 per cent of patients with the disease will die within just 12 months.

This is partially due to the fact bile duct cancer is notoriously tricky to spot.

In its early stages it may cause no symptoms at all, or only vague ones like feeling sick or loss of appetite.

Liver Cancer UK pinpointed two key symptoms of bile duct cancer that may appear when you're on the loo.

The first of these is unusually dark wee.

When you're properly hydrated, your pee should be a pale straw colour.

But cancer in the bile ducts can block the flow of bile between the liver and the bowel, causing the bile to flow back into the blood and body tissues and tingeing urine a dark yellow.

Another symptom people with bile duct cancer might spot on the loo is pale, putty coloured poo.

This may also be difficult to flush.

Both these symptoms are potential signs of jaundice, which can also cause additional symptoms such as:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Itching
• Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aching, fever and tiredness

Other symptoms include:

• Losing weight without meaning to
• Tummy pain that spreads to your back

All these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it’s still important to see your GP to find out what’s causing them.

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The number of people getting bile duct cancer has certainly increased in the last few years.

Researchers don't know for sure what's causing the number to increase.

Some studies suggest it might be related to factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol, according to Cancer Research UK.

Meanwhile, Liver Cancer UK stated: "It’s a myth that liver cancers are always related to alcohol.

"In fact, it’s unclear whether alcohol is linked to bile duct cancer.

"Most people who get bile duct cancer are older, between 50 and 70.

"Some other liver or gallbladder conditions increase risk because they irritate the bile ducts.

"People with these may get bile duct cancer when they’re younger than that."

Having other kinds of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or a long-term hepatitis infection may also increase the risk of bile duct cancer, as can being overweight or diabetic.

Game of Thrones actor Ian Gelder passed away at the age of 74 in 2024, after a five-month battle with the disease.

Helen Morement, from the UK's only Cholangiocarcinoma Charity, AMMF, previously said that more awareness of this cancer and the diversity of people – and ages – at risk of developing it is urgently needed.

“Cholangiocarcinoma is no longer rare in many parts of the UK and cases in adults under the age of 65 are much more common than previously though," she said.

“People often don’t act on symptoms immediately, or are misdiagnosed with other conditions when they do, because they don’t fit the profile of what many assume a ‘liver cancer patient’ should look like.

"But unlike the other more well-known type of primary liver cancer – Hepatocellular carcinoma - there isn’t an established link to liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcohol or other lifestyle factors.

"The cause of rising cases in otherwise healthy adults is not known."

In January this year, patients with bile duct cancer were offered new hope for treating the aggressive disease.

A study - which showed promising early results - matched patients' tumours to one or more of seven key medicines to drive the disease back.

Some people on the drugs saw their cancer go into remission, while others with previously inoperable cancer became suitable for surgery.

Doctors said the study will lead to a set of new standards for treating the disease, which currently kills the majority of patients in around a year.