Nobody likes talking about their bowel movements. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t make great table conversation. But when we’re faced with a rising number of cases of bowel cancer in people under 30, talking about it may be key to recognising when something’s not right.
When I was watching BBC Breakfast the other morning, presenters Sian and Bill interviewed Carrie Coggins, whose husband Ric died in May, aged 33, from the disease. And that’s when it hit me: bowel cancer isn’t just affecting those over 60 anymore; now the younger generation is getting it.
But why?
The most important risk factor identified as the cause of bowel cancer (aside from family history) is physical exercise. We just don’t do as much as we used to. Hands up if you’ve chosen to stay in and surf the net with a cup of tea and a Hobnob instead of taking a brisk walk? I’m the first one to admit that I don’t do enough. Getting more exercise has been my new year’s resolution for the last five years. Well, maybe we’ll have a rethink after reading this…
Experts suggest that the more active you are, the lower you chance of getting bowel cancer is. But this doesn’t mean that you need to open a gym membership and devote an hour a day to working out – just half an hour of moderate exercise five days a week could cut your risk, and this could even include walking to and from the station on your daily commute, or taking a brisk walk in your lunch hour. Anything that gets your heart racing counts.
Diet is another factor in reducing your risk. Although most of us can’t resist a bacon sandwich, or rely on frozen, canned and snack foods to get us through our daily routine, eating too many processed goods high in saturated fats and sugar, and large amounts of red and processed meat can lead to all sorts of health problems.
Similarly, a low intake of dietary fibre from whole grains, fruit and vegetables and not drinking enough water can be bad for you – and, in experts’ opinion, can increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Are you a regular binger? Well, it may be worth knowing that research has linked bowel cancer to men who regularly drink more than four units a day, compared to those who only drink two.
Of course the purpose of this article is not to make you feel like you should give up your favourite foods, alcohol and spend your life on a treadmill, but I do hope it’ll open your eyes to the risks – and how you can cut down yours. Most importantly, if you have any concerns and want to read more visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org.
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