Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that this disease does not only affect older people.
Over the past few decades, something concerning has been happening. The number of younger adults being diagnosed with bowel cancer has been steadily rising. In the UK, diagnoses among people aged 25 to 49 have increased significantly since the early 1990s.
Although bowel cancer is still far more common in people over 50, this upward trend in younger adults is something we cannot ignore.
One of the challenges is that routine NHS screening is generally offered from age 50. This means that many younger people may not think bowel cancer could affect them – and early warning signs may be overlooked or dismissed.
But the truth is simple: you are never too young to develop bowel cancer.
Know your risk
While researchers are still investigating why cases are increasing in younger adults, several factors are believed to influence risk.
These include:
• A family history of bowel cancer or inherited bowel conditions
• Diets low in fibre and high in processed or red meats
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• High alcohol intake
• A sedentary lifestyle
Certain inherited genetic conditions can also increase risk. One example is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) – a rare condition passed down through families that causes hundreds, sometimes thousands, of small growths (polyps) to develop in the lining of the bowel. Without monitoring or treatment, some of these polyps can eventually become cancerous.
Another inherited condition linked to bowel cancer is Lynch syndrome – a genetic disorder passed down through families that affects the body’s ability to repair mistakes in DNA. Normally, our cells have systems that fix small errors that occur when DNA is copied. In people with Lynch syndrome, one of these repair genes doesn’t work properly. Over time, these errors can build up in cells and increase the risk of certain cancers. However, genetic conditions like these account for only a small percentage of cases.
Understanding your personal risk – and sharing any family history of bowel cancer with your GP – can help ensure you receive the right advice and monitoring.
Don’t ignore the signs
Awareness and vigilance are vital. Paying attention to changes in your body and seeking medical advice early can make a life-saving difference.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP:
• A persistent change in bowel habits
• Blood in your stool or bleeding from the back passage
• Ongoing fatigue or unexplained low energy
• Changes in the appearance or colour of your stool
The good news is that bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early.
This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the message is clear:
- Listen to your body
- Don’t ignore symptoms
- Seek medical advice if something doesn’t feel right
Remember, age should never be a reason to delay getting checked. If you have any questions about a digestive, gut or women’s health issue, please get in touch.
