THE FACTS | "If caught in the earlier stages, colorectal cancer is one of the more treatable cancers." | | From coloncancer.org.uk |
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer affecting both men and women in the UK.
Every year over 35,000 people in this country are diagnosed with the disease - that's someone every 15 minutes.
Every year nearly 16,000 people die from bowel cancer – claiming a life every 30 minutes.
If diagnosed in the earlier stages bowel cancer is highly treatable.  | | Stay healthy and happy... |
Although 90% of all people diagnosed are over 55 (average age 70) a growing number of younger people are living with the disease. SYMPTOMS Persistent change of bowel habit over four to six weeks with unexplained constipation or diarrhoea. Persistent rectal bleeding with no soreness, pain, swelling or itching. Unexplained severe pain and/or lump in the abdomen. Extreme tiredness without an obvious cause. It is important to remember that most symptoms do not turn out to be bowel cancer. REDUCE YOUR RISK A few simple lifestyle changes can help you reduce the risk of developing the disease. Eating a healthy diet low in fat and high in fibre, including at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day. Drinking plenty of fresh fluids, water in particular. Getting to know your bowel pattern, so you know what’s normal for you. Taking up regular exercise to keep fit and healthy. Being aware of your family history. If there is a history of bowel cancer in your family, get yourself checked out. Helen was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July 2004 - click on the link above to hear her story... | 
