Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a major health concern worldwide. One of the risk factors associated with the development of bowel cancer is a family history of the disease.

Understanding the link between family history and the risk of bowel cancer can help individuals take preventive measures to reduce their risk.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the colon or rectum. These cells may form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

The symptoms of bowel cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

How common is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in both men and women. According to Cancer Research UK, there were 42,000 new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in the UK in 2020.

Bowel cancer is more common in older individuals, with the majority of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 50.

What is a family history of bowel cancer?

A family history of bowel cancer refers to cases where close relatives, such as parents, siblings, or children, have been diagnosed with the disease.

Individuals who have a family history of bowel cancer may be at higher risk of developing the condition themselves.

How does a family history of bowel cancer increase the risk?

Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of bowel cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves. The risk increases depending on the number of relatives affected and their age at diagnosis.

Individuals with a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with bowel cancer before the age of 50 may be at particularly high risk.

What are the genetic factors that contribute to bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several genes have been identified that increase the risk of the disease.

The most well-known of these is the APC gene, which is responsible for a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Individuals with FAP have a very high risk of developing bowel cancer and may require regular colonoscopies to detect any tumors.

What can individuals with a family history of bowel cancer do to reduce their risk?

Although individuals with a family history of bowel cancer may be at higher risk of developing the condition themselves, there are measures they can take to reduce their risk. These include:.

Adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Quitting smoking
Reducing alcohol consumption
Undergoing regular bowel cancer screening

What screening options are available for bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer screening involves testing for signs of the disease in individuals who do not have any symptoms. Several screening options are available, including:.

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – a test that checks for hidden blood in the stool
Sigmoidoscopy – a test that examines the lower part of the colon using a flexible tube
Colonoscopy – a test that examines the entire colon using a flexible tube

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK offers bowel cancer screening to all individuals aged 50 to 74 every two years. Individuals with a family history of bowel cancer may be offered screening at an earlier age or more frequently.

Conclusion

A family history of bowel cancer is one of the risk factors associated with the development of the disease. Understanding the link between family history and the risk of bowel cancer can help individuals take preventive measures to reduce their risk.

This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle, undergoing regular screening, and seeking advice from healthcare professionals.