Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large bowel, including the colon and rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, with thousands of people diagnosed each year. However, with better awareness of the signs and symptoms, as well as lifestyle changes to help prevent it, the outlook for patients has improved in recent years.
Signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
The symptoms of bowel cancer can often be subtle in the early stages, which is why it’s important to be aware of the changes in your body. The most common symptoms include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation, lasting for more than three weeks
- Blood in your stool, which may be bright red or darker
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly if it’s ongoing and unexplained
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, it’s important to speak to your GP as soon as possible. Early detection plays a key role in successful treatment outcomes.
UK bowel cancer statistics
In the UK, bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death. According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in the UK, and more than 16,000 people die from the disease annually. Approximately 1 in 15 men and 1 in 18 women will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime, and the incidence of bowel cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people aged 60 and above.
However, recent data highlights a worrying trend – an increasing number of younger people are being diagnosed with bowel cancer. While bowel cancer is still most common in older adults, the number of cases in those under 50 has been rising. Experts suggest several factors may be contributing to this shift, including changes in diet, increased rates of obesity, and the impact of sedentary lifestyles.
The rising trend of bowel cancer in younger people
Recent studies, as reported by Cancer Research UK, have indicated that more younger adults are being diagnosed with bowel cancer than ever before. Between 1995 and 2014, there was a 35% increase in cases of bowel cancer in people aged 20 to 49. This increase is believed to be partly due to dietary factors, particularly high consumption of processed foods and red meat, as well as obesity and lack of physical activity.
While these changes in lifestyle may contribute to the increase, genetic factors and family history also play a significant role in the development of bowel cancer. People with a family history of the disease, or those with inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), are at higher risk.
Prevention: Lifestyle habits to reduce the risk
Although bowel cancer cannot always be prevented, making certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk. According to NHS guidelines and Cancer Research UK, these steps can help lower your chances of developing the disease:
- Eat a healthy diet
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while low in processed and red meats, is associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. Foods rich in fibre, such as beans, lentils, and oats, can promote a healthy digestive system. A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity, which is a significant risk factor for bowel cancer. - Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing bowel cancer, especially if the fat is concentrated around your abdomen. Aim to achieve a healthy weight through a combination of a nutritious diet and regular physical activity. The NHS recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. - Limit alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of bowel cancer. The NHS advises that both men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and it’s best to spread this out over several days. - Stop smoking
Smoking is linked to a range of cancers, including bowel cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk. - Regular screening
The NHS offers screening for people aged 60 to 74 in England, Scotland, and Wales. This screening, which is a home test that detects hidden blood in stools, can help identify early-stage cancer or precancerous growths. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may be advised to start screening earlier.
In January 2025, the BBC reported on a large UK study, led by Oxford University and Cancer Research UK, that reinforced the link between dietary calcium and a reduced risk of bowel cancer. Consuming an additional 300mg of calcium daily, roughly the amount in a large glass of milk, was associated with a 17% lower risk of the disease.
Calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, dark leafy greens, non-dairy milks, and fortified bread, were found to have a protective effect. The researchers suggest calcium may lower the risk by binding to bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, reducing their potentially carcinogenic impact. While other foods like breakfast cereals, whole grains, fibre, and vitamin C also contributed to a lower risk, their effect was less pronounced.
The study also underscores the risks associated with alcohol and processed meats. Drinking an additional large glass of wine daily (20g of alcohol) was linked to a 15% higher risk of bowel cancer, while eating an extra ounce of red or processed meat, like a slice of ham, increased the risk by 8%. Cancer charities emphasise that maintaining a healthy diet, achieving a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking, remain key strategies for reducing bowel cancer risk. Although individual risk varies based on genetics and lifestyle, the findings highlight the importance of balanced eating, with calcium playing a significant protective role.
Treatment success and advancements
Thanks to advancements in medical research, treatment has become more effective in recent years. The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with bowel cancer has significantly improved over the past few decades. In the 1970s, the survival rate was around 30%, but today, more than 60% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer survive for five years or more after their diagnosis.
Recent advances in treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have led to more personalised and effective treatment plans. These therapies work by targeting specific cancer cells or boosting the body’s immune response to fight cancer. Chemotherapy and surgery remain important components of treatment, but the addition of newer therapies has significantly improved the prognosis for many patients.
Prevent bowel cancer
Bowel cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the UK, but awareness of its signs and symptoms, along with lifestyle changes, can help reduce the risk and increase the chances of successful treatment. Early detection is crucial, and if you notice any changes in your bowel habits, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
The rise in diagnoses among younger people is a concerning trend, but understanding the risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices can make a significant difference. By following NHS and Cancer Research UK guidelines on prevention and screening, we can prevent diagnoses going forward, and patients can receive timely and effective treatment.
