April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Dr Karen Kiernan from Duality Healthcare wants to raise awareness of bowel cancer and is urging people with health concerns to reach out.
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity to shine a light on one of the most common cancers in the UK. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects thousands of people every year, but early detection and treatment can make a life-saving difference. At Duality Healthcare, we are committed to raising awareness and ensuring that people have access to the care and support they need.
Bowel cancer usually begins as small growths in the bowel called polyps, which can develop into cancer over time. While it can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing bowel cancer, including:
- Being over the age of 50
- A family history of bowel cancer
- A diet low in fibre and high in processed meats
- Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) increase risk as well.
While bowel cancer is more common in older adults, we are increasingly seeing cases among people under 50. This highlights the importance of being aware of symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly, regardless of your age.
Early detection is absolutely key to improving survival rates, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer. These can include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood in the stool (which may appear bright red or dark)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or bloating after eating
- Feeling like your bowel is not emptying completely
- Extreme tiredness with no clear cause
If you experience any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, it’s important to speak to a GP. While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it’s always better to get checked.
Bowel cancer screening can detect the disease in its early stages, even before symptoms appear. In Northern Ireland, routine screening is offered to people aged 60–74 every two years. The test is a simple at-home stool test that looks for hidden blood, which could indicate early signs of bowel cancer.
However, if you are younger but have symptoms or a family history of bowel cancer, you should not wait for routine screening. At Duality Healthcare, we can discuss your risk factors and arrange further investigations if needed, to put your mind at ease.
While some risk factors for bowel cancer, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed, there are many lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk:
- Eat a healthy diet: Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing processed and red meats.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week – pick something you enjoy!
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake: These habits significantly increase the risk of many cancers.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your digestive system healthy.
At Duality Healthcare, we aim to provide patient-centred, accessible, and high-quality care. If you have any concerns about bowel cancer, we are here to help. We offer flexible appointments with minimal waiting times, ensuring that your concerns are addressed quickly. Our consultations are comprehensive, allowing us to listen to your symptoms and assess your risk factors thoroughly. If you have symptoms or concerns, we can arrange appropriate investigations, including stool tests, blood tests, and referrals for colonoscopy if needed.
Additionally, our team provides lifestyle and preventative advice to help you make positive changes to reduce your cancer risk. Whether you need further investigations or simply peace of mind, we will guide you every step of the way.
Bowel cancer is a serious disease, but with early detection and the right lifestyle choices, it is often treatable. This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with your health. If you have symptoms, concerns, or just want to learn more about prevention, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Duality Healthcare. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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