About bowel cancer

The bowel is part of our digestive system and is divided into the small and large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon and rectum.

 

Food passes from the stomach to the small bowel. After the small bowel takes nutrients into the body, any undigested food passes through the large bowel, where water is removed from the waste matter. This waste matter is held in the rectum (back passage) until it leaves the body as bowel motions (also known as stools or faeces)

How does bowel cancer develop?

Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer. The lining of the bowel is made up of cells that are constantly being renewed. Sometimes these cells grow too quickly, forming a clump of cells, known as a bowel polyp. Polyps are not bowel cancers but they can develop into cancer over a number of years. Bowel cancer can develop in any part of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.

 

Who is at risk from bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. The biggest single risk factor for bowel cancer is age, and 8 out of 10 people who get bowel cancer are over the age of 60. Diet, lifestyle and family history can also affect a person's chances of developing bowel cancer.

• The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer for men is around 1 in 18.
• The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer for women is around 1 in 20.

Anyone concerned about their health, or their risk of developing bowel cancer, should contact their GP.

 

 

 

 

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