Why are more young people getting bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer rates in the UK have increased by 75% in the under-24s since the early 1990s. It’s an alarming rise, but what makes it even more worrying is the fact that scientists can’t definitively explain the reasons behind it. Possible suggestions put forward to date include rising levels of obesity, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, as well as exposure to air pollution and microplastics.

That said, scientists have confirmed that 54% of all bowel cancers could be prevented by a healthier lifestyle. So with this in mind, the health experts at YourGP reveal the changes you can make today to help minimise your risk, whatever your age.

Reducing your risk

Whilst questions still remain about the main causes of bowel cancer, we do know there are certain factors that can increase your risk of getting the disease. According to Bowel Cancer UK, these factors include:

• Being aged over 50
• Having a family history of bowel cancer
• A history of polyps in your bowel
• An inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Type 2 diabetes
• An unhealthy lifestyle

Of course, we can’t do anything about our age and genetics. But the final factor in this list – having an unhealthy lifestyle – is something we can all take steps to improve to reduce our risk.

Making positive changes

Whatever your age, young or old, we should all be proactive about protecting our health. Not only will the following suggestions help to minimise your risk of developing bowel cancer, they will also help to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

• Eat a balanced diet: Cut down on red meat and ultra-processed foods and instead focus on getting a good mix of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and plenty of fibre.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Keep an eye on the scales and aim for a healthy BMI of around between 18.5 and 24.9.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity such as running.
• Limit your alcohol intake: Consuming large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis has been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of developing bowel cancer. The UK government advice is therefore to consume no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, ideally spread over three or more days, with some drink-free days. Alternatively, you can cut it out completely.
• Quit smoking: Research confirms that smoking is a significant risk factor, so look into nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation sessions if you need help and support to stub it out for good.
• Don’t skip your screening: Here in Scotland, everyone that is aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP will receive a free bowel cancer screening home test kit (FIT) every two years. It is essential that you complete this test, as early detection is the key to fighting this disease.

Notice something different? Speak up!

If you notice anything unusual, book an appointment to see your GP right away. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Bleeding from your bottom
• Blood in your poo
• A change in your toilet habits, for example needing the toilet more or less often, having diarrhoea or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Pain in your stomach area

It is important to note that experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, but it is vital to get checked out, nonetheless.

Speak to the experts

If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms listed above, you have further questions about bowel cancer, or you’d like tailored help and support to make positive lifestyle changes, book an appointment at YourGP. Use our simple online booking system or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.