Also known as Colorectal Cancer or Colon Cancer
The National Health Service says:
Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.
The exact cause of bowel cancer is not known, but there are a number of things that can increase your risk, including:
• age – almost 9 in 10 people with bowel cancer are aged 60 or over
• diet – a diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre can increase your risk
• weight – bowel cancer is more common in overweight or obese people
• exercise – being inactive increases your risk
• alcohol – drinking alcohol might increase your risk
• smoking– smoking may increase your risk
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says:
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short.
Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.
How to reduce the risk?
The CDC says: Overall, the most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 50.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Screening can find these polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
A diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.
In “How Not to Die”, Doctor Greger has this to say about the impact of diet on colorectal cancer:
• India has low cancer rates, and there’s a suggestion that curcumin (turmeric) may be a factor.
• A phytonutrient called quercetin (found in red onions and grapes) has been found to decrease the number and size of polyps.
• Another factor is ‘intestinal transit time’ = the time it takes for food to go through the digestive system. If you don’t have daily bowel movements then you have a problem – probably not enough fibre.
• As well as fibre, another beneficial compound is ‘phytates’, found in whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
The NHS summarises that:
Although there are some risks you cannot change, such as your age or family history, there are several ways you can lower your chances of developing the condition.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet, with less red meat
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Keep healthy and fit
• If you smoke, stop
• Cut down on alcohol
Link to my post on “How Not to Die”
Link to my post on “Cancer”
Link to my post on “Turmeric”