Health: Don’t fall foul to bowel cancer

GP Dr Zahid Chauhan

Footballers, including David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, have recently united to help tackle the disease that killed 1966 England World Cup captain, Bobby Moore says Dr Zahid Chauhan, GP at the Dale Medical Practice, Rochdale.

Their goal of raising awareness of bowel cancer couldn’t be a more vital one – because every half-an-hour someone in the UK dies of the condition. Even more heart-breaking is the fact that with earlier diagnosis, 90% of those cases could have been treated successfully.

Also, known as colorectal or colon cancer, bowel cancer is any cancer that affects the large bowel or the back passage.

Its location in the body might mean people find it embarrassing to talk about – but talk about it they must, especially if they see any of its symptoms. Bleeding from your bottom or noticing blood in your stools, persistent stomach ache, changes in your bowel movements and bloating or a lump in your tummy could indicate any number of illnesses, but it is best to see your GP so we can check that it isn’t bowel cancer. We will do a range of simple tests and if still concerned, make an appointment with specialist staff at the health centre or hospital.

Bowel cancer can affect anyone, young or old, and it is worth remembering that Bobby Moore was only 51 when he passed away. But it is more prevalent in older folks with the peak age for bowel cancer being between 85 and 89 years-of-age.

That’s why the NHS offers two types of bowel cancer screening to patients, free-of-charge. Every two years we send all men and women aged 60 to 74 a home test kit, which is used to collect a stool sample for analysis. You can also request a free kit by phoning 0800 707 6060. An additional one-off test called bowel scope screening is being introduced for people aged 55. Taking part in these screening tests is absolutely vital. Early detection means a better chance of survival.

While no one is exactly sure what causes bowel cancer, evidence suggests that an unhealthy diet can have a major impact. The condition is more common in people who are overweight and there has been some disturbing new evidence to suggest that what young people are eating today is an increasing recipe for cancer later on in life. Low fibre diets that are high in red or processed meats can increase your risk and a high alcohol intake plus lack of exercise can also play a part. Once again, stamping out smoking is an absolute must if you want to avoid bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. But better awareness, earlier diagnosis and a few lifestyle changes are helping to kick it into touch.

Spend a little extra time learning about bowel cancer symptoms at:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-colon-rectum-or-bowel/Pages/Introduction.aspx

And for more on how you can help the ‘Moore To Know’ campaign, go to:
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/become-a-partner/our-charity-partners/bobby-moore-fund/there-is-moore-to-know