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• Diet and bowel cancer

• Good health

• Screening for bowel cancer

Commonly asked questions

Are some people at a higher than average risk?

Yes, people are at an increased risk of bowel cancer if they have:

• A family history of bowel cancer, particularly if the cancer was diagnosed in one or more close relatives before the age of 55

• Had bowel cancer before, or an adenoma (a type of benign tumour) in the bowel

• Extensive ulcerative colitis (inflamed, ulcerated colon and rectum) present for eight or more years.

If you fit any of these categories, FOBT screening may not be sufficient for you. You should have an individualised program of surveillance supervised by your doctor.

Are men at greater risk?

Overall, statistics show men are at slightly higher risk of developing bowel cancer than women. In 1998, 54 per cent of the new bowel cancer cases diagnosed in Victoria were in men.

However, bowel cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths for women over 60 years.

Do certain genes increase the risk of bowel cancer?

There are two uncommon inherited conditions which put people at very high risk of bowel cancer: familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Genetic testing is available for people with these conditions.

If you are concerned about your risk and being tested, you should talk with your doctor or contact the Cancer Information and Support Service.

Are there any warning signs?

Warning signs of bowel cancer are:

• Bleeding from the anus (back passage)

• A persistent change in your normal bowel pattern, such as diarrhoea or constipation.

• The feeling that your bowel does not empty completely

• Recurring pain or cramps in your abdomen or rectum

• Loss of weight without any obvious reason.

• General weakness, tiredness, breathlessness. These may be due to anaemia caused by a deficiency of iron, and this type of anaemia can be a result of bowel cancer.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean bowel cancer, however you should see your doctor promptly if you notice any of the above symptoms.

Should I take dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements (that is, vitamin capsules and tablets) are probably unnecessary and in some cases unhelpful for reducing your cancer risk. Eating a variety of food including lots of plant foods and moderate amounts of animal foods (for example, meat, diary products and seafood) will ensure that we have all the vitamins and minerals we need.

Do I need to add extra fibre to my diet?

Not necessarily if your diet already includes plenty of high-fibre foods like vegetables, fruits and pulses (eg. beans, lentils): they may contain other elements that help protect against bowel cancer.

Can taking aspirin reduce my risk?

Research into aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) suggests aspirin may have a protective effect against bowel cancer, however, we do not know enough about how much, and how long, aspirin should be taken to gain protective benefits. Further research is needed.