
"Identifying Bowel Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Testing Methods"
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most common cancer and the second-biggest cancer killer in the UK. While it is more common in people over 50, cases in younger individuals are rising. Risk factors include a family history of bowel cancer, obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. The survival rate is high if the cancer is caught early, with 97% of people surviving stage 1 bowel cancer. "Red flag" symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain or lump. Bowel cancer screening, through a home test called a FIT test, is available to individuals aged 60-74 in the UK, and will be reduced to age 50 by 2026. Younger individuals with symptoms can also request the FIT test from their GP.


