BOWEL CANCER

The bowel is part of the digestive system and is divided into the small bowel and large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon, rectum and anus.

Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

• Constant Blood in poo
• Constant change in your bowel habit 
• Constant lower abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort 
• Anaemia – in case there’s bleeding in your bowel

Other conditions can cause bowel cancer like piles or laxatives, or change in eating habit.

Causes /risk factors of  bowel cancer :

Age

The risk of getting bowel cancer increases with age. Most people with bowel cancer are aged 60 or over

Being obese/overweight

Being overweight or obese people are more at risk of bowel cancer

Diet and alcohol

Eating a lot of processed meats and foods, food slow in fibre and not enough  fresh fruit and vegetables can increasing the risk of getting bowel cancer. Excessive alcohol  and smoking can increase your risk of getting bowel cancer

Family link

There is an increased risk if a close relative (mother, father, brother or sister) has/had bowel cancer .