Understanding bowel cancer
About one in 20 women and one in 18 men develop bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) in their lifetimes. More than eight out of ten bowel cancers are diagnosed in people over the age of 60. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age and 97% of people diagnosed are over 50, but bowel cancer can take years to develop.
Bowel cancer affects the lower part of your digestive system, the colon (colon or large bowel cancer) and the rectum (rectal cancer). For many people, the risk of bowel cancer can be reduced with lifestyle changes. If you want to take steps to help reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer, this guide will help. If you have bowel cancer, this guide will help you learn about your disease, the treatments available and ways to help you cope.
Use this evidence-based guide to find out how to:
- Reduce your chances of getting bowel cancer.
- Recognise the early signs of bowel cancer.
- Identify when you need to see your doctor.
- Understand the range of treatments.
- Live with bowel cancer and its effects.
