CATEGORIES
What can you do to reduce the risk to you and your family?
Diet
Specialists now agree that changing your diet to one, which contains more fruit, vegetables and cereals and is low in animal fat and red meat, could reduce your risk by one third. Research in this area is continuing.
Exercise
Try to take regular exercise, 20 minutes two to three times per week. Research has shown that sedentary people have an increased risk of developing Colorectal cancer.
Medical or genetic bowel problems.
If you have had ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease for many years your chance of developing bowel cancer may be increased and you may need regular check ups with your specialist. Some people have a family history of developing bowel cancer but only 6% of bowel cancer is inherited. If bowel cancer has been found in your family amongst close relatives (mother, father, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts) you may be at increased risk, especially if the disease occurred when they were under 50. If in doubt, you should seek advice from your doctor who will advise about the need for screening.
Age
Bowel cancer becomes more common with increasing age. It is rare below the age of forty. You should be particularly careful to report any symptoms after the age of forty-five or before that age if there is a history of bowel cancer in young people in your family.
Research
Research into the causes of bowel cancer continues and progress is being made in both early detection and treatment. However, early detection of the disease still offers the best chance of cure and so you need to see your doctor if you have symptoms or are at risk.
Many people find it difficult to discuss body functions or bowel behaviour, but doctors and nurses understand and will be sensitive and helpful.
If in doubt seek advice from your G.P. or contact the Bowel Cancer Services at Milton Keynes Hospital. Tel: 01908 243070.
DON’T DIE OF EMBARRASSMENT
Diet
Specialists now agree that changing your diet to one, which contains more fruit, vegetables and cereals and is low in animal fat and red meat, could reduce your risk by one third. Research in this area is continuing.
Exercise
Try to take regular exercise, 20 minutes two to three times per week. Research has shown that sedentary people have an increased risk of developing Colorectal cancer.
Medical or genetic bowel problems.
If you have had ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease for many years your chance of developing bowel cancer may be increased and you may need regular check ups with your specialist. Some people have a family history of developing bowel cancer but only 6% of bowel cancer is inherited. If bowel cancer has been found in your family amongst close relatives (mother, father, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts) you may be at increased risk, especially if the disease occurred when they were under 50. If in doubt, you should seek advice from your doctor who will advise about the need for screening.
Age
Bowel cancer becomes more common with increasing age. It is rare below the age of forty. You should be particularly careful to report any symptoms after the age of forty-five or before that age if there is a history of bowel cancer in young people in your family.
Research
Research into the causes of bowel cancer continues and progress is being made in both early detection and treatment. However, early detection of the disease still offers the best chance of cure and so you need to see your doctor if you have symptoms or are at risk.
Many people find it difficult to discuss body functions or bowel behaviour, but doctors and nurses understand and will be sensitive and helpful.
If in doubt seek advice from your G.P. or contact the Bowel Cancer Services at Milton Keynes Hospital. Tel: 01908 243070.
DON’T DIE OF EMBARRASSMENT