What are some of the Risk Factors associated with Bowel Cancer

Bowel Cancer, also known as Colorectal cancer, is cancer of the colon or rectum.

Most bowel cancers develop from tiny growths called ‘polyps’ that may become malignant (cancerous) and are most commonly found in the lining of the large bowel. If overtime, the polyps do become cancerous, this can narrow and block the bowel or cause bleeding, and may cause discomfort.

As most bowel cancers start as polyps, these can be removed in the early stages (once detected) to reduce your risk of developing the disease. Almost all polyps can be removed without an operation, the produce to do so is called a colonoscopy.

Bowel Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Options

The major bowel cancer risk factors, for both men and women are;

• AGE – risk rises from the age of 50 [whilst bowel cancer is more common in people aged 50 and over, bowel cancer increasingly affects all age groups]
• A FAMILY HISTORY of bowel cancer
• A PERSONAL HISTORY of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium or breast
• A history of POLYPS in the colon
• A history of ULCERATED COLITIS (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn’s disease

The following factors increase the risk of bowel cancer;

• Red & Processed Meat – limit the intake of red meat and avoid processed meat (consume less than 500g a week, cook meat carefully i.e. charred or blackened meats can damage the cells lining the bowel)
• Alcoholic Drinks – limit consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink for women, with at least two alcohol free days every week.
• Body Fatness and Abdominal Fatness – maintain body weight, and avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference.
• Cigarette smoking – is linked to an increased risk of forming bowel adenomas. Smokers who have had surgery to remove bowel adenomas are at an increased risk for the adenomas to come back. Healthy tip: Quit Smoking

The following protective factors decrease the risk of bowel cancer;

• Physical Activity – Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity i.e. a brisk walk or swim 3 times a week. Have at least one weight baring exercise  session as well. Greater frequency and intensity produces greater benefits.
• Daily intake of fibre between 25-30g per day. This can be aided by using a soluble fibre        supplement daily such as K-Fibre or Metamucil.
• Polyp removal – most bowel polyps are adenomas, which may develop into cancer. Removing polyps that are larger than 1cm may lower the risk of  bowel cancer