Colorectal Cancer Bowel cancer is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Age is known to be one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to bowel cancer and risk rises sharply and progressively from the age of 50. A PERSON IS ALSO AT A GREATER RISK IF THEY HAVE: • previous history of polyps in the bowel • previous history of bowel cancer • chronic inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. Crohn’s disease) • a strong family history of bowel cancer (first degree relative, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer before they reached the age of 50) • familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) • increased insulin levels or diabetes Most bowel cancers develop, over time, from tiny growths called 'polyps'. Not all polyps become cancerous but all polyps should be removed to reduce the risk of developing into the disease. If you are aged 50 years and over, or if you are in a high risk category, you need to act to try to detect polyps early. Talk to your general practitioner about your risk factors and the best and most appropriate bowel cancer screening method given your medical history. Screening for bowel cancer can be done by way of a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), or if you are thought to be at an above average risk of developing the disease a colonoscopy might be advised. Colorectal Surgeon Dr Mark Doudle, is emphatic. “Early detection is the key,” he says, “If you are aged 50 or over, and you receive a FOBT kit in the post – complete the test! “If you have a strong family history, talk to your GP about your best screening option – it might just save your life!” For more information: National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Information Line 1800 118 868 www.cancerscreening.gov.au ! ! Dr Mark Doudle, Colorectal Surgeon MEN'S HEALTH 38 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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