Latest update on Bowel Cancer
01/09.2021
bowel cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, remains one of the UK’s most prevalent cancers. It ranked as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, with over 40,000 new cases annually, or more than 110 daily diagnoses. Notably, about 94% of these cases occurred in individuals aged 50 and over. The UK prioritised early screening and public awareness to combat this significant health concern.
Bowel Cancer – Know the signs
Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer and the 2nd deadliest killer. Taking over 16,000 lives each year. It affects over 41,000 people in the UK, 94 per cent of that figure being the over 50’s.
So how can we lower the risks of getting bowel cancer, and what are the signs?
With 4 in 10 cancers preventable, following these simple, small changes to your lifestyle can help reduce the risk of all cancers.
Eating a healthy high-fibre diet and maintaining a good healthy weight. Whole grains, seeds, fruit and vegetables not only contain plenty of vitamins but also build your immune system and helps move waste through your digestive system
Reduce your alcohol intake
Alcohol has been linked to bowel cancer, so cutting your intake or eliminating it together will substantially reduce the risk.
Avoid eating too much red and processed meat
Red meats also have a massive connection with bowel cancer. Lowering your consumption of this and processed meats can help lower the risks.
Stop smoking
Smoking causes damage throughout the body. Cutting down or quitting will improve your health and reduce cancer risk.
Know your family history
Always be aware of family history and understand the symptoms.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can be mistaken for smaller ailments; however, if any of the symptoms listed below should last longer than 3 weeks, you must visit a doctor.
Although these symptoms alone are unlikely to be cancer, it is important that bowel cancer is detected as early as possible, so do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you are worried about any of the below.
- Blood in the stool – Although haemorrhoids can cause blood in the stool or anus, if the problem persists, a visit to the doctor can help resolve the issue and prevent the worry of cancer.
- Bloating, discomfort, and abdominal pains – A lack of appetite with these symptoms can occur even if you are eating less because of the discomfort.
- Change in bowel habits – A noticeable change of how frequently you pass stools and a change in the texture of the stool.
- Constipation over a long period of time.
In the past 40 years cancer survival rates have doubled, that is down to the great research and awareness that has been made by professional organisations and funded by charities.
Spreading the awareness through social media can help bring down the number of sufferers for the next generation to come. Knowing the signs can help save lives.