Bowel cancer

The bowel is part of our digestive system and it is divided into two parts: the small bowel and the large bowel. Nearly all bowel cancers are found in the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and the rectum.

The colon absorbs water and some nutrients from food as it passes through the system, leaving behind waste products. These waste products then move through the colon and the rectum before leaving the body.

Bowel cancer is caused by damaged cells, which can grow uncontrollably to form a tumour. Many different factors contribute to the development of bowel cancer – two of the most important are the diet and lifestyle choices we make every day.

Who is most at risk of bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most preventable forms of the disease – but it is also the third most common cancer in the UK. Scientists estimate that about 43 per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK could be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, choosing a healthy diet, not drinking alcohol, and being physically active.

As with all cancers, the risk of developing bowel cancer depends on a number of factors and varies from person to person. Many of the factors that increase our chances of developing the disease are linked to our way of life. This means there are changes we can make to reduce our risk.

Lifestyle risk factors

• Diets high in red and processed meat
• Lack of physical activity
• Diets low in fibre
• Being overweight or obese
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking cigarettes

Like most cancers, bowel cancer mainly affects older people, so if you are 50 years or over, you are more likely to develop the disease.

Other risk factors

• Family history of bowel cancer
• Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it does not mean that you will develop bowel cancer – it just means that your risk may be higher than average.

The important thing to remember is that bowel cancer is largely preventable.

Reducing your risk of bowel cancer

Our Second Expert Report found that there are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of bowel cancer. These are the key things we can do to reduce our risk:

• Choose a healthy diet

There is strong scientific evidence of a link between red meat and bowel cancer. That's why we recommend eating less red meat – aim for less than 500g (cooked weight) a week. The research linking processed meat with bowel cancer is even stronger, so we recommend avoiding these meats as much as possible.

Try to include more wholegrains, pulses, vegetables and fruits in your diet to keep your digestive system healthy.

• Limit alcoholic drinks

WCRF UK recommends that, if consumed at all, alcoholic drinks are limited to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.

• Be physically active

Being physically active uses up extra calories and helps you avoid gaining weight. It also helps food to move through your digestive system more quickly.

• Maintain a healthy weight

Research shows that being overweight or obese, and particularly carrying extra weight around your waist, increases the risk of bowel cancer.

What about screening?

The majority of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if they are found early – that's why it’s important to take part in NHS bowel screening whenever you are invited.

Read our Recommendations for Cancer Prevention