Bowel cancer rates are rising among younger adults in Australia. This may partly be due to improved diagnostic techniques and greater awareness, however lifestyle changes over recent decades, particularly in diet and physical activity levels, play a significant role in this trend.

Discussions around how we can reduce our risk of bowel cancer are important ones for ALL ages.

1. LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

Consume a healthy diet rich in whole foods, fibre and dairy
  • Consuming wholegrains and foods containing dietary fibre decreases the risk of bowel cancer.
  • Consuming 400 grams of dairy products (low fat milk, yoghurt, cheese) per day decreases risk by 15%.
Limit red meat and avoid processed meats
  • Eating too much red meat (e.g. beef, lamb, pork, goat) has been linked with an increased risk of bowel cancer.
  • Eating processed meats such as bacon, ham, salami and some sausages has been strongly linked with an increased risk of bowel cancer.
  • If you eat red meat, limit the amount to no more than about three portions per week. Three portions is equivalent to about 350-500 grams cooked weight.
Do regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight
  • Recreational physical activity can reduce colon (not rectal) cancer by 16%.
  • Risk of bowel cancer rises with increased body fatness, as marked by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference or waist-hip ratio.

2. LIMIT ALCOHOL AND AVOID SMOKING

  • Bowel cancer risk increases significantly when 2 or more drinks are consumed per day.
  • Smoking two packs per day increases the risk of bowel cancer by around 40% and nearly doubles the risk of bowel cancer death.

3. RECOGNISE THE SYMPTOMS

Be aware of symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained abdominal pain, and weight loss. Early consultation with your local doctor is important if these symptoms persist over two weeks.

4. KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

Let your doctor know if you have a history of bowel cancer in your family. Generally speaking, the more members in your family affected by bowel cancer, and the younger they were at diagnosis, the greater the chance of a family link.

If you have a family history, you may be eligible for earlier screening through colonoscopy.

5. PARTICIPATE IN THE BOWEL CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM (if eligible)

Bowel Cancer Screening can help us find the cancer early when there are no other signs. If bowel cancer is found early, it is one of the most treatable cancers.

  • If you are eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, please use your free test kit when it arrives in the mail.
  • If you are aged between 50-74 years, the screening test will be sent automatically to your home every two years.
  • For those aged between 45-49 years, you are also eligible for a free screening test kit. You will need to request a kit here. Once registered, you will receive a kit every two years.
  • For those aged between 40-44 years, you can discuss your options for screening with your GP.

There are probably not too many surprises here, living a healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of many diseases. Life is busy, but making small changes to your diet or lifestyle can offer you big benefits down the track. Being proactive about your digestive health by relaying symptoms and family medical history to your doctor is always worthwhile. It will not only provide peace of mind, but if it is anything that requires further investigation, it will be done sooner rather than later. We know when it comes to bowel cancer that, early diagnosis is key for successful treatment.

Data from Bowel Cancer Australia.

Disclaimer – This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a registered health professional regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment options.