Get on the BowelScreen register

Bowel cancer is common and often curable when detected early, but the early detection vital for maximising the potential for cure is being hindered by low awareness of symptoms and risk.

To mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, HSE Mid-West Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Christina Fleming, and Colorectal Cancer Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Emma McNamara, outline the treatments available locally, and the symptoms we should look out for to help ensure our long-term health.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of one of Ireland’s most commonly diagnosed cancers. It’s a great opportunity to remind people of the various treatments of this cancer as well as the ease of registration for the national BowelScreen programme. It’s important to emphasise that awareness of the symptoms and risks are key to maximising the chances of the best outcomes after treatment.

Nationally, more than 2,500 cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed each year, and almost 80% are diagnosed at a point where there is potential for cure. Even for those who present when cure is usually not possible, there are various treatment options that can be considered with the aim of controlling the cancer.

TREATMENT

Bowel cancer can be treated with combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and newer emerging targeted therapies. Each year in the Mid-West of Ireland, around 200 patients require surgical management of bowel cancer. Over 80% of these patients undergo surgery (and in many instances with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy) with the intention of curing their bowel cancer.

Given the number of cases where a cure is usually not possible, the key goal for us in healthcare this month is to facilitate empowerment through greater awareness of the symptoms. Early detection is the key to the best outcomes.

In simple terms, the earlier bowel cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is that it can be cured. The first step towards early diagnosis can be taken by yourself: by not ignoring what may be symptoms and risk factors.

SYMPTOMS

Not everyone will experience every one of the following symptoms, and you should note that these may be signs of conditions other than bowel cancer. However, it’s important to listen to your body and get any changes checked with your doctor.

More than two-thirds of patients present after noticing blood in the poo (which may be bright or dark red and closer to black), or with tummy pain or feeling very tired for no reason.

Other common symptoms include bleeding or pain in your bottom, a feeling of not emptying the bowel completely after a bowel movement or feeling a lump anywhere in the tummy.

Losing weight for no reason and changes in a toilet habit persisting beyond a few weeks may also occur.

RISK FACTORS

Age is a significant risk factor, particularly for those aged over 50. However, diagnosis is increasingly common among younger people, so symptoms should not be ignored at any age.

Previous diagnosis or family history: while inherited bowel cancers account for fewer than 10% of all bowel cancers, it is very important to know if bowel cancer exists in your family.

It’s important to remember that while the risk factors increase your chance of getting bowel cancer, it does not mean that you will get bowel cancer. Sometimes, people with no risk factors may get bowel cancer.

Overall, it is maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle that is probably the best means by which to reduce the risks of developing cancer. This is supported by the national BowelScreen programme, which aims to get ahead of even the earliest symptoms.

BOWELSCREEN

BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, offers bowel cancer screening to anyone aged 57-71 years old, and who is not experiencing any bowel symptoms. People in that age group should check if they are on the BowelScreen register by calling 1800 45 45 55 or emailing info@bowelscreen.ie

When you register for BowelScreen, a free test is sent to your home that can find signs of cancer before symptoms start, and stop it developing.

If you live in the Mid-West and your test is positive, you will be offered a screening colonoscopy in St John’s hospital or Ennis hospital, which can detect polyps and earlier stage cancers, meaning that treatment tends to be more successful. Polyps are sometimes fully benign but often can be pre-cancerous growths that can be removed at the time of colonoscopy to prevent cancer from developing in the first instance.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity for considering if you may be experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer and discussing these with your doctor. It is also an opportunity to discuss symptoms and risk factors with friends and family members.