Bowel cancer is also known as colorectal cancer as it includes cancers of the colon and the rectum. It’s one of the cancers that researchers have found ways to prevent and detect early, while it’s easier to treat. They can even catch it before it develops into cancer!
First, what factors put you at increased risk?
Some you can’t change:
Older age—most people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over age 50. However, increasing numbers of younger people are being diagnosed, although researchers aren’t sure why.
African-American race—African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than those of other races. Again, the reasons are not clear.
History of bowel cancer or polyps (precancerous lumps of cells inside the colon)
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Family history of bowel cancer
Previous radiation therapy to the abdomen
Others are ones you can work on:
Low fiber/high fat diet—The typical Western diet is low in fiber and high in fat and calories, and is suspected of being associated with increased risk of bowel cancer
Diabetes—while it’s almost impossible to make diabetes go away once you have it, keeping your blood sugars under control can greatly lessen the negative effects of this disease
Obesity
Smoking
Alcohol—Heavy use of alcohol increases risk
Things you can do…
Get screened regularly—Most bowel cancers develop slowly from precancerous growths called polyps that tend to bleed. Testing every 1 to 2 years for unseen or “occult” blood in the stool can lower risk of dying from bowel cancer by 1/3. It is also advised to see a doctor right away if you see blood in your stool or notice bleeding from the rectum to rule out cancer.
Eat a healthy high fiber diet—Fiber reduces risk of constipation and inflammation of the bowel, both of which increase risk. Guidelines recommend 2 servings of fruit and 5 of vegetables daily plus wholegrain foods every day.
Decrease red and processed meats—Researchers have noted a moderate effect of red meat on bowel cancer, especially when processed. They recommend avoiding charred meat.
Be physically active—Get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, 5 or more days a week to lower risk of cancer and polyps.
Don’t smoke—There are so many reasons not to smoke and lowering risk of bowel cancer is another one.
Maintain a healthy body weight—Obesity is linked to bowel cancer, especially abdominal obesity (belly fat) in men. Keeping a slimmer waistline reduces risk of several diseases in both men and women, including heart disease and diabetes.
Drink alcohol in moderation—Heavy drinking may increase risk of bowel cancer. Guidelines recommend one drink per day for women and two for men, with 2 alcohol-free days per week, although some sources question the different levels for sexes.
Know your family history and be screened more closely if you have relatives who have had polyps or bowel cancer.
Those at high risk may benefit from taking a low dose of aspirin daily, but this has its side effects too. Talk to your doctor about this option if you have multiple risk factors for bowel cancer.
How might you know that you could have bowel cancer?
Symptoms of bowel cancer could include a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool. you might notice bleeding from the rectum or blood in your stool. You could have persistent stomach discomfort, like cramps, gas or pain, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely. You might also feel weak or fatigued, or have unexplained weight loss. If any of these are a problem, see your doctor without delay. Early treatment often gives better results!
The screening test for occult (hidden) blood in the stool is done at home and is simple to do. Some governments, such as ours in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, even pay for this test since it is so effective in detecting these cancers at a very early stage. Ask your doctor about doing a screening test every 2 years.
References:
Colon cancer—Mayo Clinic
Let’s beat bowel cancer—A Cabrini initiative
Chronic constipation linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer—Science News
