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31 August 11
Bowel Cancer Awareness
A recent study published by the BMC (Bio-Med Central) has indicated that many of us are still largely unaware of risk factors and warning signs for bowel cancer. Indeed it seems there may be a reluctance to breach the subject at all, due to its sensitive nature, leaving many of us confused and unaware of what to watch out for.
There are a number of early warning signs that you can watch out for, which may be symptoms of bowel cancer. More noticeable signs include; blood in the stools, bleeding from the back passage and a lump in the abdomen.
However, the BMC study highlighted that many of us were unaware of more subtle signs that we may be at risk. These include a change in the bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, a direct family history of bowel cancer, constant tiredness and a feeling that the bowel has not fully emptied after using the lavatory.
A great number of people are also unaware that there are a lifestyle factors which we can all follow to help reduce our risk of bowel cancer. These include eating less red meat, lowering our alcohol intake, getting more exercise, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and getting a good amount of dietary fibre.
Information from Dr Pritash Patel, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in England. Over 30,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. In over 90% of cases it can be treated successfully. The key factor in this is early detection before the cancer has spread. Most bowel cancers develop from pre-cancerous growths called polyps. These can be easily removed endoscopically at flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
A recent trial published in The Lancet has shown that a one-off sigmoidoscopy carried out in healthy individuals aged between 55 and 64 can reduce the incidence of bowel cancer by 50% and the mortality by over 40%.
St. Anthony's, in collaboration with Dr Pritash Patel, is pleased to highlight the important issue of tackling bowel cancer early. Dr Patel is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Epsom and St. Helier Hospital and can see patients for advice and to organise the relevant tests at St. Anthony's Hospital quickly. He is also a trainer at the National Endoscopy Training Unit at St. George's Hospital. Please click here to see Dr Patel's personal profile
The NHS currently advises people over 60 years of age, who have not already done so, to have a bowel cancer screen. St Anthony's currently offers a bowel cancer screening service. Click here for more information.
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