Bowel Cancer in over 45s

As you get older, some health risks rise quietly in the background.

The single biggest risk factor for bowel cancer is increasing age.¹

“Around 87.5% of bowel cancer cases are diagnosed in people over age 50,” says Medical Director at Bowel Cancer Australia, Associate Professor, Graham Newstead.²

Bowel cancer is also known as colorectal, colon, or rectal cancer. It can affect any part of the colon or rectum.

The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine. Bowel cancer develops from the inner lining of the bowel.

“Most bowel cancers start as benign, non-threatening growths, called polyps, on the wall or lining of the bowel,” says Graham. “Polyps occur frequently and are mostly harmless.”

“Cancers can arise from these polyps, and if left undetected, will become serious. That’s why participating in regular screening is important.”

“Medical guidelines state that people aged 45 to 74 who are at average risk of bowel cancer, and don’t have any symptoms, should be screened every 2 years,” says Graham.

“For people aged between 75 and 85 who are fit, well and healthy, medical guidelines state health care professionals could consider offering screening every 2 years after a discussion about the benefits and potential harms. It’s the same for people between 40 and 44.”

Screening can help detect bowel cancer before symptoms appear.

However, if you notice any of the below symptoms, see your GP:

• Blood in your poo
• Obvious change in your bowel habit
• Weight loss you can’t explain
• Extreme tiredness for no reason
• Lump or swelling in your abdomen

“If you experience any symptoms for 2 weeks or more, see your GP and have them investigated,” says Graham.

“Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding is not normal and should never be ignored. Almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if caught early.”

Key risk factors for bowel cancer include:^2,3

• a diet low in fibre
• high red meat consumption, especially processed meats
• being overweight or obese
• alcohol consumption
• smoking tobacco
• inherited genetic risk and family history
• inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease
• polyps
• having a previous diagnosis of bowel cancer

Bowel Cancer Australia offers information and support for people with bowel cancer.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides information and resources, including free screening kits to eligible Australians.