While there are many factors that lead to cancers emerging, doctors are getting a better understanding of things that we do that can increase the chances of cancers emerging.
Mr Haney Youssef, a consultant surgeon specialising in bowel cancers, recently wrote an article in the Daily Mail which explored some of the factors. The main concern is that bowel cancer rates are rising in younger people and that modern diet lacking in fibre is behind more than a quarter of all cases.
Youssef explains that indigestible fibre is important because it helps keep the bowel clean and healthy. By keeping waste products moving through the gut, harmful things like toxins (such as food poisoning bugs) have less time to do damage and can be swept away.
Dr Alasdair Scott, a gut specialist, told the Mail, “There’s not much people can do if the E.coli bacteria does contribute to early onset colon cancer, but we do know that a high-fibre diet can protect against the type of mutation that causes tumours to develop.”
Smelly bowel movements are just part of life. Youssef explains: “The majority of unpleasant bowel odours are caused by infections, dietary changes or food intolerances. That said, in cases where bowel cancer is present, cancerous tumours can cause tissue to die off which can produce an unpleasant smell that could be described as resembling rotting flesh.” However, you should see your GP if you are concerned about persistent changes in bowel habits that do not go away after a few weeks. “It could be a sign of infection and if there is an underlying issue, catching it early gives the best chance of successful treatment.”
Bowel cancer is on the rise in younger adults, defined in cancer terms as those under 50. While the disease is known to be linked to obesity, experts have noted the disease is increasingly affecting otherwise fit and healthy patients.
Some experts believe the explanation must lie in environmental factors young people have been exposed to more than previous generations. While no ‘smoking gun’ has been found, there are multiple theories including modern chemicals in diets, ultra-processed foods, microplastics, and pollution.
So in summary:
- Eat a healthy diet avoiding highly processed foods and include plenty of fibre.
- Being overweight increases your risk of bowel cancer. Keep your weight under control through diet and excercise.
- Being active keeps you healthy, not just through weight control, but keeping your body functions active. A walk up to the corner shops instead of popping in the car can make all the difference.
- Smoking is a well-known cancer risk, but it is not just associated with lung cancer but is linked with bowel cancer as smokers are more likely to develop polyps which can turn into cancers.
- Alcohol can damage the lining of the bowel so aim to avoid drinking every day, and avoid binge drinking.
Being healthy doesn’t just affect your bowel cancer risks, but improves many different aspects of life, including mental health, so taking small steps to improving your health will pay big dividends in the long term. The NHS has more information on healthy lifestyle as has the Patient site.