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'I’m a cancer doctor – here are the two things I always do to lower risk of disease'


There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body. However, some are far more common, and deadly, than others. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one such form of the disease.

According to Cancer Research UK, it is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer in the UK but accounts for the second highest number of cancer-related deaths. Every year almost 17,000 people die from bowel cancer in the UK.

As with many illnesses, there are multiple potential risk factors for bowel cancer, some of which are within our control – others of which are not.

But one expert revealed the two most important things you can do to lower your risk of serious disease.

Speaking to Huffpost, oncologist Doctor Ursina Teitelbaum explained that bowel cancer is difficult to detect early on because its symptoms are often dismissed.

Therefore the two things she does to protect herself from bowel cancer are:

  • Don’t ignore abnormal symptoms or warning signs – even if you’re young
  • Live an active lifestyle with a healthy diet.

Don’t ignore abnormal symptoms or warning signs

According to Dr Teitelbaum, younger adults rarely think their strange symptoms could be cancer – which is dangerous because health professionals can have the same bias.

Dismissing the symptoms could lead to delayed diagnoses and lower your chances of survival.

“Look out for any changes in bowel habits,” Dr Teitelbaum warned.

“If you have always pooped on schedule but now frequently feel constipated, or notice blood in your stool and have abdominal pain, it’s worth talking to a doctor.”

She also said you should talk to a doctor if you have unexplained diarrhoea, fatigue, or sudden anaemia.

If you believe your GP isn’t taking you seriously you should ask for a second opinion.

Other symptoms of bowel cancer can include rectal bleeding, anal or rectal pain, lumps and unexpected weight loss.

Live an active lifestyle with a healthy diet

Again when you’re young it may seem like this isn’t something you need to worry about, but it can catch up with you.

Bowel cancer has been commonly linked to poor lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes, consumption of alcohol, and being physically inactive.

Diet is another major factor. Red meats and processed foods are associated with a higher risk of bowel cancer.

Dr Teitelbaum added: “There’s no perfect predictor for colon cancer, but globally, a healthy lifestyle may help in avoiding it.”

The NHS says that bowel cancer can be caused by genetic changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

But having certain health conditions can also make you more likely to get bowel cancer.

You may be more likely to get bowel cancer if:

  • You’re over 50
  • You smoke
  • You’re overweight
  • A close relative has had bowel cancer
  • You have inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • You have small growths in your bowel called bowel polyps
  • You have Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.

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