Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is also known as colorectal cancer. In the United Kingdom, bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths.

The cancer develops when cells grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a mass of cells, which is a tumour. Some of the symptoms of bowel cancer include frequent diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

However, these symptoms are not always indicative of bowel cancer, and some of them can be caused by less serious conditions such as haemorrhoids.

Risk Factors for Bowel Cancer

Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing bowel cancer. Some of these factors include:.

Age – People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing bowel cancer.
Family History – People with a family history of bowel cancer are more likely to develop the condition.
Lifestyle Choices – Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Medical Conditions – Some medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Weight – Being overweight or obese increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Expert Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Bowel Cancer

While some of the risk factors for bowel cancer cannot be controlled, such as age and family history, there are some steps that people can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition.

Here are some expert tips on how to reduce your risk of bowel cancer:.

1. Follow a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of several diseases, including bowel cancer. A healthy diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Avoid processed foods, red and processed meat, and foods high in sugar and fat.

2. Increase Your Fibre Intake

Fibre is an essential nutrient that helps to keep the digestive system healthy. Eating foods that are high in fibre can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Some foods that are high in fibre include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils.

3. Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of several diseases, including bowel cancer. Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

4. Stop Smoking and Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of several diseases, including bowel cancer. People who smoke should aim to quit, and those who drink should drink in moderation.

5. Attend Screening Appointments

Bowel cancer screening can detect the condition early when it is more treatable. People who are eligible for screening should attend regular screening appointments. Screening is currently offered to people aged 50 to 74 years old in the UK.

6. Know the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer can help detect the condition early. People who experience symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss should speak to their doctor.

7. Manage Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of bowel cancer. People who have these conditions should work with their doctor to manage their condition effectively.

8. Consider Taking Aspirin

Aspirin is a non-prescription drug that has been shown to reduce the risk of bowel cancer. However, aspirin carries some risks, and people should speak to their doctor before taking it.

9. Stay Informed

Bowel cancer research is ongoing, and there may be new information that can help to reduce the risk of the disease. People should stay informed by reading up on the latest research and speaking to their doctor if they have any concerns.

10. Know Your Family History

People with a family history of bowel cancer are more likely to develop the condition. If there is a history of bowel cancer in your family, speak to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing the condition.

Conclusion

Reducing the risk of bowel cancer involves making healthy choices such as following a healthy diet, increasing fibre intake, staying active, and stopping smoking.

People should attend screening appointments, know the symptoms of bowel cancer, and manage medical conditions effectively to reduce their risk of developing the condition. Furthermore, staying informed about the latest research and understanding family history can also help to reduce the risk of the disease.