Screening for bowel cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum and usually begins as small growths called polyps.

Over time, some p­­­olyps can become cancerous if not detected and removed early.

It is important to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with bowel cancer.

Risk factors:

• Age, especially after 50 years or over
• Family history or inherited gene mutation
• Previous history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Previous history of adenomas, a type of polyps in the bowel
• Previous diagnosis of bowel cancer
• Smoking tobacco
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Being overweight or obese
• A diet low in fibre
• High red meat consumption, especially processed meats
• Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms:

• Blood in the stools; this might be bright red if the bleeding is in the rectum, or might make the stools look dark brown or black if the bleeding is somewhere else in the digestive tract
• Change in bowel habit (loose stools, constipation or stools that are narrower than usual)
• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement even after you have had one
• Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Unexplained tiredness or fatigue.

How do you screen for bowel cancer?

Regular bowel cancer screenings can detect the disease at an early stage or even identify precancerous polyps, making treatment more effective.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites Australians aged between 50 -74 years, to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home.

The test involves following simple instructions to safely collect two separate stool samples and post them in a reply-paid envelope provided in the kit.

Alternatively, simple screening tests are also available at participating local Direct Chemist Outlet Pharmacies.

References:

cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors

cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment

cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colon-treatment

cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes

health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

bowelcanceraustralia.org/facts