Bowel Cancer: What do you need to know?

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month, and this year’s theme is all about sharing important information about the disease.

According to the Channel Islands Cancer Report, bowel cancer is among the top five most common cancers in Guernsey. It affects both men and women, although it’s more common in men. Around 1 in 20 people are likely to develop bowel cancer in their lifetime.

Here’s what consultant oncologist Dr Matthew Clark has to say:

‘As with all cancers, it’s always important that people are educated about bowel cancer so they know when to spot signs and seek medical attention at the right time. Detecting bowel cancer early can be vital for treatment success, as it’s much more treatable in the early stages.

‘Locally and in other screening programmes around the world, the bowel cancer screening programme is done using a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), an at home test that looks for early signs of pre-cancerous growths or early stages of bowel cancer. This screening can help to spot any signs of cancer before symptoms start and works by detecting small amounts of blood in your stool. The screening programme is available for those aged 60 to 70 and is undertaken every two years. 

‘If your FIT test comes back as positive, you’ll be invited for a colonoscopy test which will provide a formal diagnosis of whether or not you have bowel cancer. Colonoscopies can also be offered to those under 60. If you have a strong family history of bowel cancer and/or multiple risk factors, discuss this with your GP.

‘Many people don’t attend their colonoscopy procedure as it’s perceived as unpleasant, but it really is the best screening tool we have for any cancer as it acts as a form of treatment at the same time. This is because any polyps which may be pre-cancerous can be removed at the time of colonoscopy,  dramatically reducing future cancer risk. 

‘Screenings can also reduce mortality rates in bowel cancer by up to 90%if detected early enough, so make sure you do the home FIT test if you’re eligible or see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms, as it could save your life.

• Change in bowel habit (loose stools, going to the loo several times a day, constipation)
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent and severe abdominal pain
• Feeling more tired than usual

You can help to reduce your risk against bowel cancer by:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a well-balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables
• Reducing your alcohol intake
• Stopping smoking

Bowel Cancer Guernsey has lots of useful information on the disease and how their screening programme supports islanders. Visit bowelcancerguernsey.org.gg