April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine the light on the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Although bowel cancer affects thousands of people each and every year across the world, there are still so many myths surrounding it, preventing individuals from seeking early detection and consequentially, a timely treatment.
In support of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month’s #PassItOn campaign, we aim to dispel the myths and encourage more individuals to get tested. Whether the test is taken at home or in a clinical setting, the key to combating bowel cancer is education and early detection.
Myth: Bowel Cancer only affects older people
Fact: One thing that Bowel Cancer Awareness Month highlights is that bowel cancer does not discriminate, and although it is more common in adults over the age of 50, it can also affect younger people. In fact, the rate that young adults being diagnosed with bowel cancer has increased in recent years.
It’s been reported that by 2030, it is expected that bowel cancer diagnosis will increase by 90% in adults aged between 20-34. Highlighting the importance of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, not only to raise awareness about early stage symptoms but also to encourage routine testing, which is easier than ever before.
Myth: Bowel Cancer is always fatal
Fact: Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, however it is highly treatable and often curable when caught early and even thought to be one of the most preventable types of cancers. Research shows that 90% of people who are diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer will survive for 5+ years. As the cancer progresses the survival rate drops in turn.
Once again underscoring the high importance of getting tested and early detection. Screening starts with a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test, which is more convenient than ever before. The test is used to detect hidden blood in a stool sample, which can be one of the signs of bowel cancer. Since being introduced, the NHS have observed an uplift in the participation from 59% to 65%.
Myth: You’re only at risk if you have a family history of bowel cancer
Fact: Whilst family history can increase your risk of cancer, particularly if it’s a ‘first degree’ family member, this is only one of the risk factors associated with bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Australia states that “around 70% of people who develop bowel cancer have no family history of the disease.”
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, diet, and even age can play a significant role. It’s important to understand all potential risks and to be proactive about regular testing, ensuring you complete your routine FIT test every two years. There are ways to lower your risk, including increasing your physical activity, improving your diet, and reducing your intake of alcohol and smoking. Full list available here.
Myth: Bowel Cancer screening is painful or invasive
Fact: The FIT test is a simple non-invasive bowel cancer screening tool that can be performed in the comfort of your own home before sending to a lab for analysis. The process is quick and easy, providing a convenient and accessible option for participants.
Further testing may be required if there is blood found in your stool, which is only the case for around 2 in 100 people who participate in the FIT testing. The next stage of screening will be a colonoscopy, which may be slightly uncomfortable but not painful.
Myth: Milk and dairy can cause bowel cancer
Fact: In fact, the opposite is true! According to Cancer Research UK, consuming dairy products can lower your risk of bowel cancer. This claim is supported by research conducted by Nature Communications, who “conclude that dairy products help protect against colorectal cancer, and that this is driven largely or wholly by calcium.”
Now we know the truth, what next?
At RDi we will continue to raise awareness during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and beyond. It’s important we move beyond the stigma of providing faecal samples and educate ourselves, embracing the facts of FIT testing and understanding the symptoms to look out for. These include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood in your poo
- A change in how often you poo
- Losing weight but not sure why
- Feeling tired all the time but not sure why
- A pain or lump in your stomach
As we’ve established with the survival rate, early detection really is the key to saving lives, and the more we know, the better equipped we’re able to be to fight against this preventable disease.
Participating in routine testing and early screening invitations for FIT testing is an effective way to detect bowel cancer as early as possible, when treatment is the most successful.
With an increase in diagnoses in younger adults predicted by 2030, the awareness spread surrounding not only the symptoms, but also the ease of testing is critical. At RDi we prioritise and facilitate early testing and proactive healthcare. As experts in design, manufacture and supply of cost-effective UN3373 packaging, we are committed to ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the kits, consumables and medical products needed to encourage and facilitate early detection.
So, let’s not wait. The time is now, don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps towards a FIT test today. Working together we can make a significant impact in the fight against bowel cancer. #PassItOn
