Bowel cancer - causes and symptoms

There are still some mysteries surrounding bowel cancer, but medical experts agree that diet is a major factor in the development of the disease. If you have previously suffered other diseases of the bowel, particularly those that cause inflammation, you may be more likely to develop bowel cancer as well if other family members had the condition before the age of 50.



The good news is that your chances of developing bowel cancer can be reduced by following a healthy diet and keeping up with regular exercise. Just like other forms of cancer, bowel cancer cannot be transmitted from other people or sources, and the lower rate of bowel cancer in countries where a larger quantity of fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals are consumed points to a good diet being a method of avoidance. By contrast, countries that consume larger amounts of meat and animal fats tend to have higher incidences of bowel cancer.



That doesn't mean you need to avoid meat altogether, of course, but as long as your diet is low in fat and rich in fruit and vegetables - simply eating two pieces of fruit and five portions of vegetables each day - you could improve your health in all manner of ways.

If you're worried that you may have bowel cancer, there are a number of warning signs to look out for - though you should be aware that some of these can be ambiguous, so self-diagnosis should be avoided until you have consulted a trained physician. Checking with your doctor could be a prudent move if you're aware of other people in your immediate family having bowel cancer under the age of 50, as you can greatly improve your chances of getting effective treatment if the cancer is diagnosed early.



The most common symptom of bowel cancer is an increase in visits to the toilet that does not return to normal after one to two weeks. Irregular bowel movements can be characterised as loose stools or constipation, and there may be associated problems, such as feeling you need the toilet but being unable to go once you sit down.



Rectal bleeding is a more serious symptom that can also be caused by haemorrhoids, but even if you already suffer from piles, it can still be a good idea to consult a doctor if you experience rectal bleeding. Doctors can perform simple and accurate tests to determine whether the blood in your stools is caused by piles or a more serious problem.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.