Bowel cancer

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In Australia around 90 men and women die each week from bowel cancer. Australia has one of the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world.

Bowel screening

With 4,517 new cases and 1,610 deaths, bowel cancer was the second most common cancer for both sexes combined and the second most common cause of cancer death in NSW during 2004.

Survival rates are significantly improved when the disease is detected and treated early.

So make sure you:

  • Know the symptoms of bowel cancer
  • Understand the risk factors associated with bowel cancer
  • Consult your doctor if you notice the symptoms, are concerned about risk factors or want to discuss screening options.
  • Take preventative measures such as eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, cereals and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bowel cancer can be similar to symptoms of other conditions or diseases and may include the following:

  • Change in bowel habits - recent and persistent changes in someone who previously had been regular. Symptoms may include constipation, diarrhoea or passing mucous material
  • Blood or black material in the bowel motion or any sign of bleeding from the rectum
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort, fullness or cramps
  • Unexplained tiredness

if you notice any of the above symptoms it is important that you see your doctor. It may not be bowel cancer, but if cancer is present your chances of survival are much greater if it is discovered sooner rather than later. Early detection is vital.

Risk Factors

Those people most at risk:

  • are aged 50 years and over - risk increases with age;
  • have a significant family history of bowel cancer or polyps;
  • have had an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; or
  • have previously had special types of polyps, called adenomas, in the bowel.

People at risk of bowel cancer should talk to their doctor about the most appropriate screening options.

The risk is also increased in obese people, and those with a diet high in animal fats and red or processed meats. Tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption may also increase the risk.

Screening

Men and women over 50 should get checked for bowel cancer every two years.

A test called a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) can detect small amounts of blood in the bowel motion. The FOBT looks for blood in the bowel motion, but not for bowel cancer itself. Screening using a FOBT test kit is recommended as a simple non-invasive process that can be done in the privacy of your home.

If you turn 55 or 65 between 2006 and June 2008 you should receive an invitation to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program run by the Australian Government.

If you are over 50 or have additional risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting screened for bowel cancer.

Prevention

Around 30 to 40 per cent of all cancer cases could be prevented by making healthier choices. These include stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, having a normal weight and eating a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish and fruit.

  • Find out more about how simple lifestyle changes could help prevent cancer.
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