Bowel cancer is also called colon or rectal cancer depending on the affected area of the colon. The actual causes bowel cancer is unknown; but, it has been proven that some factors greatly contribute to the chances of developing this type of cancer. This is:
• Age (Studies have proved out of 10 cases 6 people are over the age of 60),
•Family history (inherited conditions),
• Poor diet
• Exposure to radiation
• A previous encounter with cancer
• Medical conditions
• Being obese or overweight
• Substance use e.g. cigarettes and alcohol
• Ulcerative colitis
Main symptoms of bowel cancer are:
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• unexplained weight loss
• Frequent and loose stool.
If these symptoms keep coming back, see a doctor as soon as possible. To be on a safer side, you take precautionary measures like:
• Changing your diet – people who eat a lot of fiber have a lower risk of getting colon cancer.
• Quit alcohol and cigarettes – the risk goes up with the number of cigarettes smoked a day and alcohol used.
• Lose weight – keep a healthy weight by being physically active and eating a healthy
A bowel cancer screening can be done in two ways.
1. Home testing KIT – A small container is provided at the hospital. you take a small sample of your stool a put it in the container and take it back to the hospital for testing.
2. Bowel scope screening – a thin tube with a camera attached to the end is inserted in your bowel to check for any polyps
If the tests are positive you are sent for further testing and treatment. Bowel cancer can be treated using various ways
ChanceS of completely getting rid of cancer depends on how far it had progressed. If cancer had progressed to a stage that can no longer heal, you can ask for family support or find various support groups in Langwarrin.