Learn about bowel cancer (British Sign Language version)

About Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer or colon cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It usually develops from polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While not all polyps turn into cancer, some do over time, making regular screenings and early detection important for prevention and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors:

1. Age: The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 50.
2. Family History: Individuals with a family history of bowel cancer or certain genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome are at higher risk.
3. Diet and Lifestyle: A diet high in red and processed meats, low in fiber, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Symptoms:

1. Change in Bowel Habits: Persistent diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of stool.
2. Blood in Stool: Blood may appear bright red or dark, and may be accompanied by rectal bleeding or blood in the toilet.
3. Abdominal Discomfort: Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss without any dietary changes or increased exercise.
5. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness.
6. Iron Deficiency Anemia: Low red blood cell count due to chronic blood loss.

Diagnosis:

1. Colonoscopy: A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to examine the colon and rectum for polyps or cancerous growths.
2. Biopsy: If suspicious areas are found during a colonoscopy, a biopsy may be taken to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
3. Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to check for anemia or to assess liver function, as bowel cancer can spread to the liver.

Treatment:

1. Surgery: The primary treatment for bowel cancer involves removing the cancerous tumor along with a portion of healthy tissue. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended before or after surgery to kill cancer cells or shrink the tumor.
3. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells, especially if the cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum.
4. Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities within cancer cells may be used in combination with chemotherapy or alone.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs help the body's immune system fight cancer cells and may be used in some cases.

Prevention:

1. Screening: Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, can help detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer when treatment is most effective.
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.
3. Medication: Some medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer in certain individuals, but they should only be used under medical supervision.

Early detection and treatment of bowel cancer can significantly improve outcomes and increase the chances of survival. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional about individual risk factors and screening recommendations.