With cases rising sharply, it’s more important than ever to know the warning signs and how you can reduce your risk.
Words: Amy Mica Marsden. Images: Shutterstock
According to a recent study in the BMJ, deaths from colorectal (bowel) cancer are increasing in people under 50 in the US — making it the only one of the 5 leading cancers to see a rise in deaths, instead of a fall.
Similarly, last year The Lancet reported that early-onset colorectal cancer incidence rates are rising in 27 out of the 50 countries and territories they looked at between 2013 and 2017.
It’s not known what’s causing this increase in cases, but it’s clear that we should all be more aware of bowel cancer, its symptoms, and how to avoid it.
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, making up around 10% of global cancer cases and causing almost 904,000 deaths in 2022.
It can be found anywhere in the large intestine, and is one of the most common forms of cancer – and one of the least spoken about.
It begins as small, benign growths (known as polyps) on the lining of the large intestine, which don’t always cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, though, these polyps may become malignant (cancerous).
According to the NHS, the symptoms of bowel cancer you need to look out for are as follows:
- changes in your poo, such as having softer stool, pencil-thin stools, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- a lump in your tummy
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer
However, sometimes the symptoms are less common. According to the RCCA, some uncommon clues are:
- Tenesmus: This is the sensation of urgently needing to pass a bowel movement. It can occur even if a person has just used the bathroom or if his or her colon is empty.
- Prolapse or protrusion: Rectal prolapse occurs when the last section of the large intestine slips out of place and protrudes through the anus.
- General rectal pain or discomfort: These sensations can also be symptoms of colon cancer.
- Unexplained fever and night sweats
What causes bowel cancer?
What exactly causes polyps in your bowel to become cancerous is not known, but there are numerous lifestyle and genetic factors which seem to have an influence.
According to the NHS, you may be more at risk of bowel cancer if:
- You’re 50 and above (though age is increasingly less relevant)
- You smoke
- You’re overweight
- A close relative has had bowel cancer
- You have inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- You have bowel polyps
- You have Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (genetic conditions known to affect polyps)
However, having 1 or more of these factors does not mean you’ll definitely get bowel cancer, and having none of them doesn’t mean you won’t.
How to reduce your risk of bowel cancer
According to Bowel Cancer UK, scientists believe up to 54% of bowel cancer cases could be avoided through lifestyle changes. Here are some things you can do today to reduce your risk:
Healthy diet
It’s important to eat a healthy diet, including trying to hit your daily recommended fibre intake, eating a wide range of nutrients and food groups, and getting your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Staying hydrated
Bowel Cancer UK recommends avoiding sugary drinks such as cola, lemonade, fruit squash with added sugar, and fruit juices. It’s also important to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water, especially if you’re getting a good amount of fibre.
Staying fit
Being physically active can lower the risk of bowel cancer, so it’s important to aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week, where possible.
Stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol
Alcohol consumption and smoking are both linked to an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, while smokers are more likely to develop polyps, according to Bowel Cancer UK.
Remember, if you’re concerned about any symptoms, it’s important to see a GP as soon as you can.
For more information on bowel cancer, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk
