Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. Here's a breakdown of key information:

Understanding Bowel Cancer:

• What it is:
  • It develops from the inner lining of the bowel.
  • Often starts as growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over time.
  • Colon cancer begins in the colon, and rectal cancer begins in the rectum.
• Risk Factors:
  • Age: The risk increases significantly with age.
  • Family history: A family history of bowel cancer or polyps.
  • Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fiber.
  • Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Certain inherited genetic syndromes.

Symptoms:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency).
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
• Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain).
• A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue.

Diagnosis:

• Screening tests:
  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT).
  • Colonoscopy.
  • Sigmoidoscopy.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken to confirm the diagnosis.
• Imaging tests: CT scans or MRIs to determine the extent of the cancer.

Treatment:

• Surgery: To remove the cancerous tissue.
• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: To destroy cancer cells with high-energy beams.
• Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: treatments that help the bodies own immune system fight the cancer.

Prevention:

• Regular screening: Especially for individuals over 45 or those with risk factors.
• Healthy lifestyle:
  • Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
  • Limit red and processed meat consumption.
  • Engage in regular physical activity.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.