Bowel cancer, also known as colon or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the bowel or large intestine. It develops from the cells that line the bowel and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer type globally, with over 1.8 million new cases diagnosed in 2018. In this article, we discuss the global increase in cases of bowel cancer, its causes, symptoms, and prevention.

The Global Burden of Bowel Cancer

The incidence of bowel cancer varies significantly across the world, with higher rates observed in developed countries.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the highest incidence rates are found in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America, with lower rates in Asia and Africa.

In 2018, over half of all new cases of bowel cancer were diagnosed in developed countries. However, due to population growth and aging, the proportion of new cases in developing countries is expected to increase in the coming years.

Bowel cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for over 880,000 deaths in 2018.

The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries where there is limited access to screening, early detection, and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of bowel cancer are unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. Some of the main risk factors for bowel cancer include:.

Age: The risk of developing bowel cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases diagnosed in people over 50 years old.
Family history: People with a family history of bowel cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease themselves.
Diet: A high intake of red and processed meat, alcohol, and saturated fats is associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer.
Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer.
Lack of exercise: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop bowel cancer.

Other factors that may increase the risk of bowel cancer include obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many cases of bowel cancer do not cause any symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is so important. However, some people may experience one or more of the following symptoms:.

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
Blood in the stool
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Bloating or cramping
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor may perform a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as a colonoscopy or CT scan to diagnose bowel cancer.

Treatment and Management

The treatment for bowel cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient.

Treatment may include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy remaining cancer cells, or a combination of these treatments.

In addition to medical treatment, there are several ways to manage bowel cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence. These include:.

Adopting a healthy diet that is low in red and processed meat, alcohol, and saturated fats
Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation
Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
Attending regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor for recurrence or new cancers

Prevention Strategies

Although it is not always possible to prevent bowel cancer, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include:.

Screening: Regular screening can detect bowel cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.
Avoiding risk factors: This includes adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Taking aspirin: Studies have shown that regular use of low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of bowel cancer in some people.
Increasing fiber intake: Eating a diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Taking part in physical activity: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Conclusion

Bowel cancer is a significant global health problem, with increasing incidence rates observed worldwide.

Although the exact causes of bowel cancer are unknown, several risk factors have been identified, and there are many strategies for prevention and management.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle, attending regular screening, and seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms, it is possible to reduce the risk of bowel cancer and improve outcomes for those who are diagnosed with the disease.