Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) often develops without any warning signs.
It is the second biggest cancer killer of Australians after lung cancer. Bowel cancer affects men and women, young and old. The risk of developing bowel cancer rises sharply and progressively from age 50. 1 in 12 Australians will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime. Around 75% of people who develop bowel cancer have no family history of the disease or hereditary contribution. Bowel cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. If detected early, around 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Doctor to your home Perth
At some time in our lives, most of us will experience problems with our bowels and the process of getting rid of these waste materials. Tummy upsets and bleeding from the bottom are both very common symptoms associated with many minor problems that are easily treated, or settle down again on their own. However, it is very important to discuss any symptoms that don’t seem to settle on their own or respond to recommended treatments with your doctor. They can refer you for further investigations to determine the cause of the problem.
Prevention Through Diet & Lifestyle
Prevention Through Diet & Lifestyle
There is a link between red meat and bowel cancer. It is now recommended that we should eat less than 500g of red meat a week.Processed meat is strongly linked with an increased risk of bowel cancer, and therefore should be avoided as much as possible.
Drinking alcohol raises the risk of several common cancers, including bowel cancer. It is therefore suggested that alcoholic drinks are limited to two for men and one for women a day.
Eat at least 5 servings (400g) of a variety of non-starchy vegetables and fruits every day. Wash and eat raw with skin on for extra fibre, and aim for at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables a day. Frozen vegetables count too, as does fruit juice!
Eat relatively unprocessed cereals (grains) and/or pulses (legumes) with every meal.
• Limit refined starchy foods.
• Grains and cereals – this includes rice, oats, pasta, bread, couscous and breakfast cereals. Try to choose wholegrain varieties where possible, which contain more fibre (such as wholemeal pasta, wholegrain bread etc).
• Pulses – lentils, chickpeas and beans are tasty and filling. A jacket potato with baked beans and salad makes a delicious lunchtime meal.
There is now evidence that regular physical activity could cut the risk of developing bowel cancer (but not rectal cancer) by 30-40%. Physical activity also helps to control weight gain, which is important as obesity is linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer. To help reduce the risk of bowel cancer, people should aim to be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more.
Maintain body weight within the normal range from age 21.
• Avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference throughout adulthood (<80cm for women; and <94cm for men).
• Aim for a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 – 24.99.
• Quit smoking.
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
Be self-aware
Being aware of your body and recognising when things are not quite right is your first step to avoiding serious health problems.
No one knows your body better than you, so listen to it and if something is not right, make an appointment to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Credit: Bowel Cancer Australia Patient Awareness Campaign
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