Bowel cancer is a disease which affects thousands of people yearly, it is believed to be a disease which affects older people especially as it is the category screened for symptoms of the disease.
Experts have warned that rates of the disease on the increase among younger people and it is believed that it could be as a result of a change in digestive development.
There has been an increase in the number of young people diagnosed and according to charity Bowel Cancer UK, rates have gone up 48 per cent since 2004.
Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, has told Express.co.uk why this could be the case, and how people can be aware of the disease.
“There are specific groups at higher risk of bowel cancer,” she said.
“People with strong family history of the disease - whose mother or father have been diagnosed - are at greater risk.”
Andrea Robson, 37, who lives in Tooting, London was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year.
However her condition was also more complicated because she also has a condition called ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
Deborah said people with Lynch syndrome - a genetic condition caused by a defect in the cancer preventing repair gene - are also at greater risk. Lynch Syndrome results in an estimated 1,000 cases of bowel cancer each year.
She added: “Lifestyle is a key factor - sedentary lifestyle especially, people who don’t get enough exercise.”
A diet high in red or processed meats, like bacon and sausages, and low in fibre increases the risk, as is being overweight or obese. A high alcohol intake and smoking has also been linked with the disease. CONTINUE READING for the symptoms and the risk factors
CREDIT: EXPRESS.CO.UK
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