Almost 2,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year.
Being informed of the early signs and what you can do to reduce the risk is crucial.
So JOE, with the help of the Irish Cancer Society, is delighted to inform you of these essential facts.
If you are unsure of any of the following, please call the Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline 1800 200 700.
About
Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal and colorectal cancer. It affects the digestive system and can occur in both sexes.
It happens when cells in the bowel start to grow quickly and form a tumour. If it’s a malignant tumour, it is known as cancer.
It is the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland.
We can change this by recognising the early signs and reducing the risk.
Recognising the signs
Knowing the symptoms is essential.
Bowel cancer is extremely treatable once it’s caught early, however almost 50% of bowel cancers are only diagnosed at stage three and four.
As a result, bowel cancer mortality rates remain steady since 2006 at 40%.
If you notice any of the following signs, please get them checked, particularly if they last longer than four weeks.
- A change in your normal bowel motion, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
- Feeling you have not emptied your bowel fully after a motion.
- Pain or discomfort in your abdomen (tummy) or back passage.
- Trapped wind or fullness in your tummy.
- Weight loss.
- Tired and breathless (due to anaemia from blood loss).
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stools.
These symptoms can also be due to issues which are not related to bowel cancer.
Cause and prevention
The cause of bowel cancer is unknown, but there are risk factors which can increase the likelihood of someone getting it.
You have a higher chance of getting bowel cancer if
- You have had a previous bowel cancer.
- You are over 60.
- A member of your immediate family (mother, father, brother or sister) or relatives (uncle or aunt) has had bowel cancer.
- You have a history of bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- You are obese (overweight).
- You eat a diet high in fats and low in fibre.
Research has found that adults who increase their physical activity and have a healthy diet can reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer by 30 to 40 per cent.
Get checked
The Irish Cancer Society is appealing to the public not to be embarrassed about any symptoms they may be experiencing and to remember that early detection saves lives.
Anyone who is concerned should call the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700.
The Irish Cancer Society is working towards a future without cancer and we won’t give up until cancer does.
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