Everything you wanted to know about Bowel Cancer

For even more information, please visit the website at www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk or call the Bowel Cancer Advisory Service on Freephone number: 0800 8 40 35 40.

And please give them a little something... http://www.justgiving.com/beardodgers-bowelcancer

The Facts

  • Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

  • Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer affecting both men and women in the UK.

  • Every year, over 35,000 people in this country are diagnosed with the disease: that's someone every 15 minutes.

  • Every year, nearly 16,000 people die from bowel cancer: that means a life is claimed every 30 minutes.

  • 85% of all diagnoses are in people over the age of 60.

  • Bowel cancer is highly treatable when caught in the early stages – in fact, 90% of cases can be successfully treated. However, half of all cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread, making it more difficult to treat.

  • Most symptoms do not turn out to be caused by bowel cancer.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • A persistent change of bowel habit that lasts four or more weeks.

  • Bleeding from the bottom or blood in your stools.

  • A pain and/or a lump in the abdomen.

  • Extreme tiredness without obvious cause.

Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown, there are certain factors that increase your risk:

  • An inactive lifestyle.

  • A low-fibre diet that is high in red and processed meat, with insufficient amounts of fruit and vegetables.

  • Smoking.

  • Regular consumption of alcohol.

  • People with a family history of bowel cancer.

The Screening Programme

Bowel Screening Programmes are currently gradually rolling out across England and Scotland – with the Welsh programme due to start in October. They are targeting:

  • 60-69 year-olds in England

  • 50 to 74 year-olds in Scotland

  • Initially 60-69 year-olds and then 60 to 74 year-olds in Wales

People within these age groups will be screened every two years, with those over 70 in England having the option to request a screening kit and enter the programme. 70 to 74 year olds will formally become part of the English Programme from 2010.

However, don’t wait to be invited for screening. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are concerned about, talk to your GP or call the Bowel Cancer Advisory Service on Freephone number: 0800 8 40 35 40.

Prevention & Awareness

Following these tips can help reduce a person’s risk of developing the disease:

  • Eating a healthy diet which is low in fat and high in fibre, including at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.

  • Drinking plenty of fluids – water, in particular.

  • Limiting your consumption of red and processed meat.

  • Taking up regular exercise to keep fit and maintain a healthy weight.

  • Stopping smoking.

  • Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum - or staying within the recommended limit: a maximum of 14 units per week for women and 21 for men.

  • Getting to know your bowel pattern, so you know what’s normal for you.

  • Being aware of your family history: if there is a history of bowel cancer in your family, get yourself checked out.

  • Being aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer.

Who Bowel Cancer UK Are and What They Do

Bowel Cancer UK is a leading charity dedicated to raising awareness of bowel cancer, improving the quality of life of those affected by the disease, and, ultimately, reducing deaths from the second-most common cause of cancer death in the UK, affecting both men and women.

It continues to be the national charity for bowel cancer patients and their carers, putting them at the very heart of its work – which is based around four main areas of activity:

  • providing information, support and advice for those affected by bowel cancer, including patients, their carers and families, and also to healthcare professionals, e.g. nurses and GPs;

  • helping to increase knowledge and understanding of the symptoms and prevention of bowel cancer through awareness campaigns and support for the screening programmes;

  • working in partnership with healthcare professionals to provide education about bowel cancer;

  • campaigning for improved choice and equal access to bowel cancer treatment, services and care.

For more information, please visit the website at www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk or call the Bowel Cancer Advisory Service on Freephone number: 0800 8 40 35 40.