23/04/2024 09:37:25
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month | Health and Social Care
During Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, it's vital to recognise the significance of spreading awareness about this prevalent yet preventable disease. Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, ranks as the fourth most common cancer globally. Despite its widespread occurrence, there remains a lack of understanding and therefore, in this article we aim to address all key topics including symptoms, risk factors, preventative strategies, and early detection methods.
What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer is also called colorectal cancer. It affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.
Cancer is when abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The cells can grow into surrounding tissues or organs, and may spread to other areas of the body.
Key Statistics
- There are around 42,900 new cases of bowel cancer each year in the UK.
- More than 16,800 people die from bowel cancer in the UK each year.
- 54% of bowel cancer cases are preventable.
- One in 15 men and one in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.
- More than 9 out of 10 people who develop bowel cancer in the UK are over the age of 50.
- Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer.
Symptoms
One of the most concerning aspects of bowel cancer is that it often presents with few or no symptoms in its early stages when treatment is most effective. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms include:
- changes in bowel habit, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual
- needing to poo more or less often than usual
- often feeling the need to poo, even if they’ve just been to the toilet
- bleeding from their bottom
- blood in poo, which may look red or black
- tummy pain
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired for no reason.
It's crucial to note that these symptoms can also indicate less serious conditions, but it's always best to consult a health and social care professional if you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms.
Primary Causes of Bowel Cancer
It's not always clear what causes bowel cancer, but it can be caused by genetic changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Having certain health conditions can also make you more likely to get bowel cancer.
You may be more likely to get bowel cancer if:
- you're over 50
- you smoke
- you're overweight
- a close relative has had bowel cancer
- you have inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- you have small growths in your bowel called bowel polyps
- you have Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
How to lower your risk of bowel cancer
You cannot always prevent bowel cancer, however, lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer, such as:
- eat a healthy diet including at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- stay active and exercise regularly
- lose weight if you're overweight
- quit smoking
- drink less alcohol
- eat less red and processed meat.
Importance of Early Detection Through Screening
Bowel cancer ranks as the fourth most common type of cancer, but with regular NHS screening, the risk of dying diminishes significantly as it aids in detecting bowel cancer at an early stage, making treatment more effective. Early detection through screening is critical for reducing the risk of dying from bowel cancer.
Survival rates increase when bowel cancer is diagnosed early, with more than 9 out of 10 individuals surviving for 5 years or more when detected at the earliest stage. However, this falls to 1 in 10 people when bowel cancer is diagnosed at the most advanced stage. Therefore, the importance of regular screening cannot be overstated.
Additionally, screening doesn't just detect cancer; it can also identify polyps—abnormal cell clumps in the bowel that could develop into cancer over time. By removing these polyps early, the risk of bowel cancer can be substantially reduced.
Who is Eligible for Screening
Ages 75 and over: If you're 75 or older in England, you can request a screening kit every two years by calling the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Ages 60 – 74: If you're between 60 and 74 years old and registered with a GP in England, you'll automatically receive an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every two years.
Ages 50-59: The screening program now includes individuals aged 50 to 59, with a gradual expansion over four years starting from April 2021. So, if you're 56 or 58, you might receive a kit sooner than expected.
However, if you're concerned about a family history of bowel cancer or experiencing symptoms, it's vital to consult with your GP for guidance. Remember, regardless of age or whether you've recently completed a screening kit, if you're showing symptoms of bowel cancer, don't hesitate to see a GP. Early detection saves lives, so never delay seeking medical advice.
Screening Kit
Individuals in the UK will receive a home test kit, called the faecal immunochemical test (or FIT kit for short). The FIT kit detects blood in poo.
The kit includes a small plastic bottle with a stick attached inside the lid. The individual uses the stick to collect a sample of their poo, which they then seal back into the bottle.
Included is a self-sealing freepost envelope for them to post the test back to the screening centre for testing.
Instructions and an information leaflet will be sent with the test. The individual uses the FIT kit in the privacy of their own home.
How Can You Help Raise Awareness
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month has been designed to create a platform to educate society, promote early detection through screening, and encourage lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing this disease. Here are a few ways everyone can help to spread awareness and encourage individuals to take charge of their health:
Social Media Campaigns: Utilise platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information about bowel cancer, its symptoms, prevention, and screening options. Encourage followers to share posts to reach a wider audience. Use hashtags such as #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth and #GetScreened to raise awareness.
Educational Events: Organise seminars, webinars, or workshops in local communities to educate people about bowel cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
Fundraising Events: Arrange fundraising activities such as charity walks, runs, or bake sales to raise funds for bowel cancer research, screening programs, or support services for patients and their families.
Collaborate with Healthcare Providers: Partner with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals to distribute educational materials, offer free screenings, or host informational sessions about bowel cancer.
Community Outreach: Engage with community organisations, schools, churches, and other groups to spread awareness through newsletters, bulletin boards, or guest speaking opportunities.
Utilise Visual Materials: Distribute posters, flyers, infographics, or videos to visually convey key messages about bowel cancer awareness and share them in public spaces, workplaces, or online platforms.
Encourage Screening: Encourage individuals over a certain age, especially those with risk factors, to undergo regular screening tests for bowel cancer and provide information on how to access screening services.
Share Personal Stories: Encourage survivors, caregivers, or individuals affected by bowel cancer to share their personal stories to humanise the issue and inspire others to take action, whether it's seeking medical advice or supporting awareness initiatives.
Final Remarks
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month highlights the urgency of understanding, preventing, and detecting this widespread disease. With its significant global impact, educating about symptoms, risk factors, and early screening is vital. Through initiatives like social media campaigns, educational events, and community outreach, we can empower individuals to prioritise their health and seek timely medical attention. By creating awareness and support, we move closer to reducing the impact of bowel cancer and ensuring healthier futures for all.
Interested in Learning more about Cancer Awareness?
At Blue Stream Academy we offer engaging eLearning modules for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) across various sectors, including GP, Health and Social Care, Private and Urgent Care, Aesthetics, Dental, and Hospice.
An Understanding of NHS Cancer Screening Programmes eLearning Module
Overview
There are three national cancer screening programmes in England: NHS Cervical Screening Programme; NHS Breast Screening Programme and NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
NHS cancer screening programmes hold immense significance in the UK as they play a crucial role in saving lives. Cancer screening helps spot cancers at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful – and more people will survive cancer.
Cancer screening is a personal choice and a decision only the individual themselves can make, however, it is important for healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about the screenings, be able to offer advice and encourage people to attend.
Suitability
This module is recommended for a range of health and social care professionals, as it offers specific information that is relevant for those who are often the first point of contact for patients. Having knowledge of the latest screening protocols helps these professionals identify eligible patients and communicate the screening process effectively.
Cancer Awareness eLearning Module
Overview
Cancer Awareness is an effort to raise understanding and reduce the stigma of cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. There are more than 200 different types of cancer that affect 1 in 2 people within the UK in their lifetime. With a multitude of different symptoms that cancer creates, early detection signs will help reduce the number of lives it takes.
Information found within this module covers:
- the nature of cancer
- prevention and early detection
- staging and investigations
- cancer and treatments.
Learn more about Blue Stream Academy
Click here for more information about Blue Stream Academy and what we offer. Alternatively, contact us via email at info@bluestreamacademy.com or speak with a team member at 01773 822549.