Colorectal Cancer

Also known asBowel Cancer · Colon Cancer · Rectal Cancer · Colorectal · Colon Polyps · 大肠癌 · 结肠癌 · 直肠癌 · 肠癌 · Kanser Usus

What it is

Colorectal (bowel) cancer starts in the colon or rectum, often from small growths called polyps. It is one of the most common cancers in men and women, and is more common with age, a family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, heavy drinking and excess weight.

How food and lifestyle can help

Of all cancers, diet has some of its strongest links to this one. Processed meat and red meat raise the risk, alcohol and excess body fat raise it, and fibre and whole grains lower it. Regular physical activity also helps. Screening (a stool test or colonoscopy, usually from the age of 45 to 60 depending on your country) finds polyps and early cancers, and is as important as diet.

Foods and nutrients to focus on

1. Whole grains, vegetables, fruit and beans, rich in fibre.
2. Milk, yoghurt and other dairy foods, linked with lower risk in studies, and calcium from food.
3. Fish, poultry and tofu in place of red and processed meat.
4. A healthy weight and regular exercise.

Foods and drinks to limit

1. Processed meat: bacon, ham, sausages, salami and cured meats.
2. Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat): keep to about 350 to 500 g cooked weight a week or less.
3. Alcohol, and charred or burnt meat.

Good to know

1. Eating more fibre is not a replacement for screening: take up bowel screening when invited.
2. Most bowel cancers are first found by symptoms or screening, not by food.
3. Inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome need specialist surveillance.

When to see a doctor

1. Blood in the stool or from the back passage, a lasting change in bowel habit, a lump or pain in the tummy, unexplained weight loss, or tiredness with pale skin (a sign of anaemia).
2. A parent, brother, sister or child had bowel cancer, especially before 50.
3. You are due bowel screening.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, check changes to your diet with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

NHS — Bowel cancer, used for the main facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/