April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most common cancers in the UK. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. While it is curable, it can develop at any age, making it crucial to be aware of the symptoms and the importance of regular screening.
Bowel cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are part of the large bowel. The bowel, also known as the intestine, is divided into two sections: the small bowel and the large bowel, which includes the colon, rectum (back passage), and anus (bowel opening).
According to Cancer Research UK, bowel cancer accounted for 11% of all new cancer cases between 2017 and 2019. While advances in treatment have improved survival rates, early detection remains key. When diagnosed at its earliest stage, around 9 in 10 people survive for at least five years. However, this drops to 1 in 10 when diagnosed at a late stage, as the cancer may have spread to other organs, such as the liver, making treatment more difficult.
Recognising the Symptoms Bowel Cancer
The risk of developing bowel cancer depends on several factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle choices such as diet. However, certain symptoms should never be ignored. These include bleeding from the bottom or blood in the stool, as well as changes in normal bowel habits, such as looser stools, more frequent trips to the toilet, or constipation. Other signs can be more general, such as unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, unexpected weight loss, stomach pain, or a lump in the abdomen.
Dr. Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, highlights that bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle and do not always cause discomfort. “It is important to remember that there are many causes for these symptoms, and most people experiencing them do not have bowel cancer,” she explains. However, if symptoms persist for three weeks or longer, she advises seeing a GP. “It may turn out to be nothing serious, but if it is something more concerning, detecting it early gives any treatment the best chance of success.”
While some risk factors for bowel cancer cannot be controlled, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk. A high-fibre diet, reducing processed and red meat intake, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol have all been linked to a lower likelihood of developing the disease.
The Importance of Screening for Bowel Cancer
For those experiencing symptoms, visiting a doctor for a screening test is essential. Screening can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible, providing an early indication of possible cancer. However, Dr. Owen stresses that “the screening test does not diagnose bowel cancer, but it can help identify people who may need further tests.”
A colonoscopy is one of the key diagnostic procedures, involving a flexible tube with a small camera that allows doctors to examine the inside of the bowel. This procedure helps identify possible causes of symptoms and allows for tissue samples to be taken for further testing.
Another screening method, the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), looks for invisible traces of blood in small stool samples. This test can detect bowel cancer before symptoms even appear and may even help prevent the disease from developing. In England, everyone aged 50-74 is eligible to receive an at-home FIT test every two years. However, it is important to note that around 5 in 100 bowel cancer cases occur in people under 50, highlighting the importance of symptom awareness at any age.
The treatment for bowel cancer depends on whether it affects the colon or rectum and the stage at which it is diagnosed. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy. Each case is different, and doctors will determine the best course of action based on the individual’s condition and the extent of the disease.
While bowel cancer remains a serious condition, early detection and treatment can save lives. Raising awareness, staying informed, and not ignoring symptoms are key to improving outcomes for those affected.