Bowel cancer: what are the signs?

Bowel cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men, after lung cancer, and it tends to affect those in the '50s and '60s. Just under 20,000 new cases are diagnosed in males every year in the UK. Bowel cancer tends to develop as a result of hereditary and lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and a diet that is low in fibre but high in meat. Research suggests that your risk increases by 55 per cent for every 100g per day increase in your consumption of red meat and processed meat. Those with the highest fibre intake appear to have the lowest risk of bowel cancer. Good intakes of folate from fruit and vegetables and folic acid supplements are protective too.

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is now being rolled out across the country with nation-wide coverage due by 2009. You can get more information on this programme here: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/index.html

Are there any symptoms? IThe warning signs of bowel cancer include a change in bowel habit , rectal bleeding, recurrent abdominal pain and, later, weight loss and tiredness. If you notice recurrent bowel problems always seek medical advice.