Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is characterized by a tumor that develops in the colon or rectum.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bowel cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 1.8 million new cases and 862,000 deaths each year.

In many countries, bowel cancer rates are on the rise. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons behind this increase, as well as the steps that individuals and healthcare providers can take to prevent and detect bowel cancer.

What is Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is a cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It usually develops from non-cancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which over time can become cancerous.

Bowel cancer can cause a range of symptoms, including changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Bowel cancer can be treated if detected early, but unfortunately, many cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

This makes early detection and prevention efforts crucial in reducing the number of deaths caused by bowel cancer.

Rising Bowel Cancer Rates

In recent years, bowel cancer rates have been increasing in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, for example, the incidence of bowel cancer in people under age 50 has been rising, and the disease is now more common in younger adults than in older adults.

One possible explanation for the increase in bowel cancer rates is changes in lifestyle factors. For example, diets that are high in red and processed meats, and low in fruits and vegetables, may increase the risk of bowel cancer.

In addition, sedentary lifestyles and obesity have been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer.

Other factors that may contribute to the rising rates of bowel cancer include an aging population, which is more susceptible to the disease, and changes in diagnostic practices.

Improved screening and diagnostic tools may have led to more cases being detected, which could partially explain the rise in rates.

Preventing Bowel Cancer

Prevention is key in reducing the number of cases of bowel cancer. Some of the things that individuals can do to reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer include:.

1. Eating a Healthy Diet

Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

In addition, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of many types of cancer, including bowel cancer.

2. Staying Active

Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight, which can help reduce the risk of many types of cancer.

3. Getting Screened

Screening tests, such as colonoscopies, can help detect bowel cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Healthcare providers may recommend screening tests starting at age 50 for most people, and earlier for those with a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

Treating Bowel Cancer

If bowel cancer is detected, treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and other factors, such as the person’s age and overall health. Some of the treatment options for bowel cancer include:.

1. Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for bowel cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells.

In some cases, surgery may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells, and may also be used to shrink the tumor before surgery.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is sometimes used to shrink the tumor before surgery, or to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Conclusion

Bowel cancer rates are on the rise in many countries, but there are steps that individuals and healthcare providers can take to prevent and detect this disease.

Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and getting screened regularly can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer. If bowel cancer is detected, treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can be effective in treating the disease.