Definition
Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is cancer in any part of the colon or rectum.
Description
Bowel cancer is a malignant growth that develops in the lining of the large bowel. Most bowel cancers develop from tiny growths called ‘polyps’. Not all polyps become cancerous. Over time some polyps can become cancerous. Cancer can narrow and block the bowel or cause bleeding. In more advanced cases, the cancer can spread beyond the bowel to other organs.
How common is bowel cancer?
- Bowel cancer is the second most deadly cancer in Australia.
- Over 15,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, and 4000 of these people will die as a result.
- Bowel cancer is, however, one of the most curable cancers if detected and treated in the early stages. Therefore, it is vitally important to look out for possible symptoms, and have these symptoms investigated if they persist. If caught early, 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.
- Whilst bowel cancer is more common in people over 50 years of age, bowel cancer increasingly affects all age groups with over 1,000 cases are aged under 50.
- Bowel cancer affects men and women almost equally.
Risk factors
Age and health history can affect the risk of developing bowel cancer. Both men and women are at risk of developing bowel cancer. The risk is greater if you –
- are aged 50 years or over.
- have a family history of bowel cancer.
- have a personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast.
- have a history of polyps in the colon.
- have a history of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn’s disease.
- have certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch Syndrome).
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms of bowel cancer are change of bowel habit and rectal bleeding. However, these are also common in people who do not have cancer. Most people with these symptoms DO NOT have bowel cancer, but it is very important to have further tests to rule it out.
Other higher risk symptoms and signs include:
- A persistent change in bowel habit, such as looser, more diarrhoea-like bowel movements, constipation, or smaller more frequent bowel movements.
- A change in appearance of bowel movements.
- Persistent, severe abdominal pain, which has come on recently for the first time (especially in an older age group).
- Blood in the bowel movement or rectal bleeding.
- Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness or weight loss.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms for more than 2 weeks, see your GP immediately.
REMEMBER
However old you are, you should never be told by your Doctor that you are too young to have bowel cancer. If you have higher-risk symptoms, ask your Doctor to be referred for further investigations.
Treatment options
As with all medical conditions, it is advisable to consult your GP for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or have a positive FOBT your doctor will suggest that you be referred for further investigations (usually a colonoscopy), this does not mean you have bowel cancer. It means that further tests are needed to clarify what is causing your symptoms.
Your Doctor will discuss any further diagnostic tests that may be required If bowel cancer is present, your Specialist will discuss the treatment options with you. This may include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy .
Diet hints
Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
- eat plenty of vegetables, legumes (dried beans, peas or lentils), fruits & cereals (breads, rice, pasta & noodles), preferably wholegrain.
- include lean meat, fish and poultry.
- include milks, yoghurts and cheeses. Reduced fat varieties should be chosen where possible.
- drink plenty of water.
Take care to –
- limit saturated fat and moderate total fat intake.
- limit your intake of red meat and processed meat.
- choose foods low in salt.
- limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink.
- consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars.
Prevention
While no cancer is completely preventable, you can lower your risk of bowel cancer by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and participating in appropriate screening. There is growing evidence that increasing fruit, vegetables and fibre in your diet can reduce the risk of some cancers. It is recommended that to help reduce the risk of cancer, you should aim to engage in physical activity of at least moderate intensity, for approximately 30 minutes three times a week.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Medical guidelines recommend people at average risk of bowel cancer, screen using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every 1 to 2 years from age 50.
- The BowelScreen Australia Program uses the ColoVantage Home Test which can be purchased from our pharmacy. This take-home test is simple to use and does not require any diet or medication changes.
The test involves placing toilet water on a special card and mailing it to a pathology laboratory. Following analysis, the results are sent to you and your GP.
+ A postive result means blood has been detected in the samples. It does not necessarily mean bowel cancer, but it does require further investigation. You should be referred for a colonoscopy within 30 days by your GP.
– A negative result means blood has not been detected in the samples, however it does not mean you do not have or will never develop bowel cancer. The test should be repeated every 1-2 years.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUrvpFL8nTs[/embedyt]Tips to help reduce your Bowel Cancer risk
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid processed meats and limit red meat consumption.
- Avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference.
- If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount.
- Eat naturally high-fibre foods.
- Be physically active as part of your everyday life.
- Participate in Bowel Cancer screening.
Pharmacist’s advice
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet and Exercise advice.
- If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, ask your one of our Pharmacists or Doctor for advice.
- Ask one of our pharmacists for advice on bowel cancer screening and the BowelScreen Australia® test kit.
- Rectal bleeding or a long-term change in bowel habits should be investigated by your Doctor as these are the two most common indicators of bowel cancer.
- If you have any queries regarding medication that has been prescribed for you, ask one of our Pharmacists for advice.
- A high fibre diet is recommended as a means of helping to prevent bowel cancer. Ask one of our Pharmacists to recommend a soluble fibre supplement such as psyllium or slippery elm if your diet is inadequate.
- Consider some nutritional supplements if your diet is inadequate, such as a broad spectrum multi vitamin.
Inverell Pharmacy – your locally owned and operated pharmacy with 4 pharmacists to Assist and Advise you. Located at 132 Byron Street (next to Telstra). Phone 0267 223146.