Bowel cancer: symptoms, prevention and treatment – essential facts

Bowel cancer affects approximately 41,000 people annually in the UK, making it one of the most common forms of cancer.

Jeremy Bowen of the BBC recently revealed that he was on treatment after being diagnosed last October.

A recent study found that eating even small amounts of red and processed meat can increase the risk of getting cancer.

April is the month of cancer awareness of the bowel. So we spoke to Deborah Gilbert, Executive Director of the charity Bowel & Cancer Research, to find out everything you need to know.

Symptoms of cancer of the intestine

The three big warning signs are called your BCA:

B – Bleeding from the bottom

If you notice blood when you go to the bathroom, go to your doctor.

Although this is not a sign of bowel cancer, you still need to check it.

"Everyone should overcome their difficulties by looking at their poop, and should check the toilet after they leave," says Deborah.

C – changes in bowel habits, such as sudden onset with frequent constipation or diarrhea

Be alert to "any changes in your bowel habits over a period of time – which is not related to having an insect, eating something that does not agree with you or not. drinking too much alcohol the night before.

All that persists and makes you think that something is wrong. "

A – Abdominal pain

Having a persistent pain in the abdomen that lasts for two to three weeks can be a harbinger, just like an abnormally exhausted and annihilated sensation.

Unexplained weight loss, even if she eats normally, may be another sign.

Who is at risk?

The risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer is about the same in men and women.

When captured at its earliest stage, Stage 1 (that is, confined to the intestine), its chances of survival are 90%.

At stage 4 (the most advanced), the survival rate drops to 6%.

Although general risks apply to any age group, starting at age 50, the risk of developing a disease such as bowel cancer increases.

Do not be embarrbaded

If you are reluctant to see your GP, Deborah advises you to "give up at all costs".

April being the month of bowel cancer awareness, the time is unhoped for to check your worries.

"The Bowel & Cancer Research website presents case studies of people who have been successful in screening for cancer, but may not have done so as soon as possible.

"With bowel cancer, the sooner you catch it, it's really a survival.

"The last steps are getting a lot harder to handle."

Reduce your risk by changing your lifestyle

Control your weight

"There is a strong connection between being too much weight around your heart and developing bowel cancer," says Deborah.

"Trying to keep your weight under control may be more difficult after age 50, but diet is a key factor.

"We encourage people to do as many exercises as they can, but that does not mean running five miles a day, you have to go out and walk when you can, as part of your daily routine."

Reduce red meat

The NHS recommends limiting your average consumption of red and processed meats (preserved by smoking, salting, salting or adding preservatives, such as salami, sausages and bacon) to 70 g per day, with high consumption linked to cancer l & # 39; intestine.

But a recent study found that even those who eat 76 g (equivalent to three slices of bacon or ham) a day are 20 percent more likely to develop cancer than people who eat only 21 g.

"Try replacing them some days," Deborah said.

Fill up on fiber

Spend whole white rice and bread, and keep the skin of the potatoes when you eat them.

These simple switches can make a big difference to the health of your intestines, while nuts, legumes and vegetables, including broccoli, carrots and corn, are also high in fiber.

Take the test for cancer of the intestines

"If you get the NHS bowel cancer test in the mail, do it! Do not throw it in the trash, exhorts Deborah.

"It may not be the most pleasant thing to do, but these tests can save your life.

"Before taking the NHS test, you had to be 60. That number has now dropped to 50."

If you do not want to wait for the NHS test, you can buy the Measure test for £ 34.99 * from Measurebowelhealth.com or Amazon.

It uses advanced technology to detect blood in stool samples that is not visible to the human eye.

You use a sampler to take readings from your stool sample, which are then badyzed by a cartridge in just 40 seconds.

Treatment options

Deborah explains that treatments vary depending on the form of bowel cancer that a person has, how advanced they are and where they are located …

The intestine is a very long organ that runs from the end of the small intestine to the anus. Most cancers of the intestines are diagnosed in the rectum, just above the anus.

In simple terms, you can have surgery to remove the affected bowel and then return to normal.

As bowel cancer progresses, it becomes harder to treat and is treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Sometimes it is before the operation, sometimes after. It depends on whether the cancer has spread or not.

* Each measurement test includes an instruction manual, a digital reader and three sample and cartridge sampling kits for the badysis of three consecutive stools.

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