F*** Bowel
Cancer

Bowel cancer screening tests are currently only routinely offered to adults over 50 through the NHS.Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors. These risk factors include:

1 • Age

• Most bowel cancer cases occur in individuals aged 50 and older, though younger individuals can also be affected.
• Over the last few years, the number of young adults diagnosed with bowel cancer has been on the rise. Cancer Research UK reported that between the early 1990s and 2018, the number of adults aged 25 to 49 being diagnosed with bowel cancer increased by 22% in the UK.

2 • Family History

• A family history of bowel cancer, especially in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child), significantly increases risk.
• Hereditary conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) further elevate risk.

3 • Lifestyle Factors

• Diet: High consumption of red or processed meats and low intake of fibre are linked to an increased risk.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to higher risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is a known risk factor.
• Smoking: Long-term tobacco use is associated with a higher risk of bowel cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk.

4 • Medical Conditions

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis raise the risk of bowel cancer.
• Type 2 diabetes: People with diabetes have a modestly increased risk.
  Polyps in the bowel: Adenomatous polyps or serrated polyps can develop into cancer over time.

5 • Ethnic and Racial Factors

• Certain populations, such as Ashkenazi Jews, have a higher genetic predisposition to bowel cancer.

6 • Personal History of Cancer or Polyps

• Individuals who have had bowel polyps or a previous diagnosis of bowel cancer are at increased risk of recurrence.
• A history of other cancers, such as ovarian or breast cancer, may also increase risk.

7 • Exposure to Carcinogens

• Long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos or radiation can increase cancer risk.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can vary depending on the cancer's location and stage. Common symptoms include:

1 • Changes in Bowel Habits

• Persistent diarrhea or constipation without an obvious cause.
• A change in the size, shape, or frequency of stools (e.g., narrower stools).

2 • Blood in the Stool

• Bright red or dark blood in stools.
• Occasional bleeding from the rectum, which might be mistaken for hemorrhoids.

3 • Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

• Cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
• Pain that may persist or come and go.

4 • Unexplained Weight Loss

• Losing weight without a change in diet or activity levels.

5 • Fatigue or Weakness

A constant feeling of tiredness, which may result from anemia caused by blood loss.

6 • A Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation

• The sensation of needing to pass stool even after a bowel movement.

7 • Signs of Obstruction (in Advanced Cases)

• Severe abdominal pain and bloating.
• Vomiting.
• Inability to pass gas or stool.

The Bowel Health Test is a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test). It is an initial screening tool for detecting signs of bowel cancer; it does not provide a diagnosis.

How the Bowel Health Test Works:

• The Bowel Health Test detects hidden blood (haemoglobin) in your poo, which can be an early indicator of bowel cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions, such as polyps, ulcers, or haemorrhoids.
• It is simple-to-use and provides results in 5 minutes. 

Its Role in Diagnosing Bowel Cancer:

• Screening Tool: The Bowel Health Test is designed to identify people who may need further investigation for bowel cancer. A positive result alone does not confirm bowel cancer.
• Not Diagnostic: The FIT cannot determine the presence, location, or type of cancer. It simply indicates whether there is blood in the stool, which may or may not be due to cancer.

Limitations:

• False Positives: Blood in the stool can result from non-cancerous conditions like haemorrhoids or diverticulitis.
• False Negatives: Some cancers or polyps may not bleed, leading to a missed detection.
• Other Considerations: The Bowel Health Test does not assess genetic, lifestyle, or other risk 
factors associated with bowel cancer.

Next Steps After a Positive Result:

• If the Bowel Health Test indicates blood in the stool:
• Contact your GP.
• Undergo additional tests, typically a colonoscopy, to confirm or rule out bowel cancer.
• While the Bowel Health Test is a useful first step for screening, it should be part of a broader diagnostic process guided by your GP.