What Is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer affects the lower part of your digestive system, the colon (colon or large bowel cancer) and the rectum (rectal cancer). About two-thirds of bowel cancers develop in the colon and a third in the rectum. Most cancers develop from small growths in the bowel wall called polyps (adenomas), which are usually harmless but can turn cancerous. Polyps can usually be removed easily if caught early.
What Are The Symptoms?
- A change in bowel function. Changing from being soft to loose for several weeks.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- A lump in the abdominal area
- Pain in your abdomen
- Tiredness/lethargy
- Severe weight loss
- Not evacuating properly after a normal bowel movement
Cancer of the bowel can also cause blockages in the bowel which can cause symptoms such as: bloating, constipation and vomiting. These symptoms are not always related to bowel cancer as generally bowel cancer affects the population of over 60 years, but it is always important to contact your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Some of these symptoms in younger people can be caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
How Can inCleanse Help You Look After Your Bowel?
How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Bowel Cancer?
- Exercises. Physical activity of any kind stimulates the motility of the gut (peristalsis), reducing the time that waste is left in the bowel.
- Watch your weight. Lean people are less likely to develop bowel cancer.
- Eat more fibre, as this decreases the amount of time that waste remains in the bowel.
- Eat less red meat and processed meat.
- Eat a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, fish.
- Stop smoking.
- View your poo. If you know what it looks like you can recognise any changes.
What Are The Statistics?
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the second leading cause of cancer deaths with over 16,00 new cases each year. 100 new cases occur every day and from that 50 will die. It is important that if you have any of the symptoms you go to your GP. 90% of bowel cancer cases, if caught soon enough, can be treated. 50% of the adult population are not aware of the symptoms.
