In New Zealand, more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Most people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over the age of 50. It develops in the digestive system, between the appendix and the anus.
People who are more at risk of developing bowel cancer include those who have a family history of bowel cancer or polyps (abnormal tissue growths), have an inflammatory bowel disease for an extended period of time, have a diet high in fat, are overweight, or frequently smoke or consume alcohol.
Screening
The National Bowel Screening Programme is currently being rolled out throughout New Zealand and is due to be in place nationwide by the end of 2021. This programme offers screening to people aged between 60 and 74 every two years. Testing involves a non-invasive self-screening kit that can be completed at home by taking a sample of your bowel motion (poo) to be sent for testing.
Symptoms
Bowel symptoms may not be related to bowel cancer but should be investigated to find the cause regardless. Bowel cancer symptoms vary and, in some cases, may not be present, however some common symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding and blood in bowel motions
- Changes in bowel habit, especially looser or more frequent bowel motions
- Anaemia
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling like your bowel does not completely empty
- Abdominal pain and general discomfort
- Tiredness and weight loss
Diagnosis
If you have bowel symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to run some tests to check for bowel cancer or other bowel issues. Tests may include:
- A digital rectal examination
- A faecal occult blood test that checks for blood in your stool
- A blood test for iron-deficiency anaemia
- An x-ray of your digestive tract
- A colonoscopy and biopsy
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, your doctors will discuss the best treatment options for you. This may include surgery to remove the cancer cells, chemotherapy, or radiation. Surgery may result in part of your bowel being removed and reattached, or the new end of your bowel may be relocated to an opening in the skin called a stoma which empties into a bag.
Prevention
While bowel cancer cannot be completely prevented, some lifestyle habits can improve your risk. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Regularly doing physical activity
- Eating a diet rich in whole grains, cereals, fruit, and vegetables
- Reducing your intake of fats, salt, and sugars
- Reducing or eliminating processed meats from your diet
- Moderating alcohol intake and stopping smoking
Websites of interest
Age Concern New Zealand would like to acknowledge Bowel Cancer New Zealand and Jemma Sergent (Master's student, Victoria University) for their input and advice on this webpage.