A major study has revealed that eleven cancers, including bowel cancer, are becoming more common among young people in England. Scientists, in a classic display of scientific humility, admit they're not entirely sure why, though they're pointing a finger at rising obesity levels as a likely culprit.
So, what should you look for? The NHS advises keeping an eye out for blood in your poo, changes in bowel habits (like looser stool or more frequent trips), and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms include a lump in your tummy, extreme tiredness, or a feeling that you're not emptying your bowels properly. If these persist for three weeks or longer, it's time to see your GP. And if you experience severe tummy pain, constipation, and sickness, that could signal a blockage - head straight to A&E.
Bowel Cancer UK recommends keeping a symptom diary to discuss with your doctor. And yes, doctors are used to hearing about bowel problems, so drop the embarrassment.
Risk factors include being over 50, smoking, a diet high in red or processed meat, lack of exercise, being overweight, and drinking alcohol. Scientists believe excess weight might explain the rise in younger adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, but with fewer people smoking and some improvements in diet and exercise, they're still scratching their heads.
Genetics plays a role too: if a close relative was diagnosed before age 50, tell your GP. Conditions like Lynch syndrome significantly increase risk, but doctors can monitor and catch it early.
More than half of bowel cancers could be prevented with a healthier lifestyle, scientists say. So, take up screening when offered. The NHS bowel cancer screening starts at age 50 in England, Scotland, and Wales, and over 60 in Northern Ireland. You'll get a home test kit for a poo sample. If it's positive, you'll be called for further tests like a colonoscopy.
Treatments are becoming more personalised thanks to genetic testing, which could mean extra years of life. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Bowel Cancer UK has advice on questions to ask specialists.
The good news: bowel cancer is curable, especially if caught early. Over 90% of people diagnosed at the earliest stage survive five years or more, compared to 44% at the latest stage. Survival rates in the UK have more than doubled in the last 40 years - more than half of patients now survive 10 years or more. However, the UK still lags behind the rest of Europe in survival rates, because apparently we can't have nice things.