Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be. In fact, more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly when diagnosed at the latest stage.
Reducing your risk
Scientists believe around half (54%) of all bowel cancers could be prevented by having a healthier lifestyle. You can reduce your risk by:
- Eat plenty of fibre from wholegrains, pulses, veg and fruit
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid processed and limit red meat
- If you do drink alcohol, keep it as low as possible with an upper limit of no more than 14 units a week.
- Quit smoking
- Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity such as brisk walking, five times a week.
- Take the bowel screening test when offered.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live.
Symptoms can include:
- bleeding from your bottom
- blood in your poo
- a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
- losing weight but you’re not sure why
- feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- a pain or lump in your tummy
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them.
NHS bowel cancer screening checks if you could have bowel cancer: Bowel cancer screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk) If you are experiencing symptoms do not wait for screening, speak to your GP as soon as possible. Remember bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age.
Support for people affected by cancer:
Ask the Nurse from Bowel Cancer UK:
Bowel cancer UK nurses are here to help. They can provide you with information, and signpost you to further support. If you have any questions or concerns about bowel cancer, email nurse@bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
Support for our bowel cancer community | Bowel Cancer UK | Bowel Cancer UK
Halton Cancer Support Group is a local community charity supporting those affected by cancer.
0151 423 5730
info@haltoncancersupport.org.uk
The Macmillan Delamere centre offer advice, information, support and therapies to local people affected by cancer. You can drop in to the centre which is located next to the main entrance at Halton General Hospital.
01928 753502
