Bowel cancer

Cancer occurs when cells in our body multiply out of control, producing lots of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells don't function like they should and can invade tissues or organs and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.

Bowel cancer is also known as colorectal cancer and it includes cancer of the colon (which is the large intestine) and cancer of the rectum (which is the last few inches of the large intestine before it turns into the anus). It is one of the most common cancers in the UK and is more common in people over 60, people with a family history of bowel cancer, anyone with bowel polyps or anyone who suffers from chronic bowel conditions (such as ulcerative colitis). Smoking, excessive alcohol, a poor diet and obesity can also increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.

The most common symptoms of bowel cancer are an unexplained change in bowel habit for a number of weeks, persistent abdominal pain or bloating and blood in the poo. These can also be symptoms of other medical conditions or causes, so does not necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, but it is important to seek medical advice to rule it out. Other more vague signs could be loss of weight, unexplained fatigue and night sweats.

As bowel cancer is more common in those aged 60 and over, the UK has a bowel cancer screening programme. Those between 60 and 74 years old will be automatically sent a bowel cancer screening test every two years (you need to be registered to a doctor). If you are 75 and over you can ask for a free test kit every two years (call the bowel cancer screening helpline to do this).

Using the kit you get a small sample of poo and send it off to be tested for any sign of blood which can be a symptom of bowel cancer (it can also be caused by things other than cancer). If blood is found you will be invited for further tests to find the cause, including bowel cancer. If caught early, bowel cancer can be cured.

Any cancer fits into four stages, depending on the size of the tumour and whether it has spread and by how far. These are used to guide what treatment would be best. in Stage 1, the cancer is small and has not spread anywhere. Stage 2 is when the cancer is larger but hasn't spread. In Stage 3, the cancer is larger and has spread to areas close by. Stage 4 is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and is known as metastatic cancer.

There is evidence that you can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by eating a high fibre diet, with lots of fruit and veg and avoiding processed foods. You should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake to lower risk, and keep fit and maintain a healthy weight.