June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month, the perfect opportunity to check your knowledge about bowel cancer (and the signs and symptoms to look out for). With over 15,000 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, this disease touches the lives of many.  

While bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, it’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Lifestyle choices play a huge role in increasing or decreasing the risk of bowel cancer. We can all benefit from learning more about this disease and minimising our chances of it developing by doing so. Continue reading to learn how to keep your bowels in good shape.

There are proven links between diet and bowel cancer, with our diets playing a major role in the likelihood of bowel cancer developing. High fibre diets are of great benefit in the fight against bowel cancer, with daily recommended amounts for adults sitting at 30g of fibre.

Less than 20% of adults in Australia reach that goal, so checking your daily fibre intake is one powerful step in the direction of reducing your risk of developing bowel cancer.  

Diets that are high in fibre have also been linked to an improved survival rate once bowel cancer is diagnosed.   

Meat in large quantities can lead to an increase in the likelihood of bowel cancer developing. With evidence of a link between eating more than 100g of meat per day and bowel cancer, reducing your meat intake is another simple step you can take to future-proof your daily diet.

An overall healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of bowel cancer. This includes creating a regular exercise routine, which not only helps to protect you in the long run, but also improves your longevity and overall well-being.

General health guidelines recommend that adults see at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day as the basis for a strong exercise habit.  

By incorporating this into your daily routine, you can reduce your risk of developing numerous chronic diseases and illnesses.  

Preventing the impact of bowel cancer starts in our diet and lifestyle, but a few key routines can help to identify any risks as they emerge.

Australians can access the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, so you can build a healthy routine of engaging with this test from ages 50 to 74. The test is offered every two years once you reach 50, creating an opportunity for those within the age group at highest risk to proactively have their bowels checked.  

Building a routine of checking for bowel cancer symptoms is also crucial in identifying any changes or developments. Practice checking your stool for any bleeding or irregularity, taking note of any symptoms that may be worth discussing with your GP. Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea, are also important to note with your doctor.

Maintaining the health of your bowel is vital to your overall health. A healthy diet and lifestyle can aid in the prevention of many health disorders.

To summarise, these are some of the most effective bowel health tips:*
• Consume a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other high-fibre foods.
• Get active to assist with the movement of food through the digestive tract.
• Drink at least 1-1.5 litres of water daily.
• Allow plenty of time to use the bathroom so you don't have to rush or strain.
• Obesity and smoking are linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, so try to keep a healthy weight and give up smoking.
• If you are over 50 years old sign up to access the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

* This is general advice only, and should you have any concerns please contact your Health Care provider.