The red apple is the symbol of the Bowel Cancer and Digestive Research Institute; and Red Apple Day – June 11 – aims to increase awareness of bowel cancer and other gastro-intestinal problems.
Except in medical circles, cancer is probably not a common topic of conversation. However, it makes plenty of sense to know the warning signs and symptoms, where to get help and what treatment options are available. There are many forms of cancer, but what they have in common is that when diagnosed early enough, they can nearly always be cured.
It’s an interesting coincidence that Bowel Cancer Awareness Week and International Men’s Health Week are occurring at the same time. Certainly men are affected by bowel cancer more than women. Nevertheless, other than skin cancer, bowel cancer is the commonest of all cancers affecting both men and women.
There are 10,000 new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed every year; and there are twice as many deaths from bowel cancer in Australia as from motor vehicle accidents. One Australian dies from bowel cancer – also known as colorectal cancer (CRC) – every two hours.
Perhaps because these statistics are so frightening, there’s a reluctance for us to seek medical attention or even acknowledge the possibility of CRC. Nevertheless, bowel cancer is both treatable and curable.
The word bowel comes from the Latin word for sausage and it describes that long tube that runs from the stomach to the anus. It’s in the large part of the bowel, known as the colon and the rectum, where bowel cancers occur.
In the early stages, bowel cancer often has no symptoms; but blood in the bowel motions, persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation) frequent “wind” pains and loss of weight for no known reason, should all be investigated by your doctor. If a close relative has had bowel cancer, your own risk increases significantly, and a regular check-up is necessary.
Bowel cancers usually begin as small growths called polyps. Most polyps cause no problems. However, over time, some polyps may become cancerous and their growth is then uncontrolled. It’s important therefore, to remove polyps as soon as they are detected. This procedure is carried out by means of a colonoscope – a long flexible tube which allows the operator (a specialist gastroenterologist) to visually assess the health of the rectum and the colon, and cut out any suspicious bowel tissue for further examination.
Even if a bowel polyp grows and becomes a cancer, all is not lost. In its early stages most bowel cancer can be cured by surgery – and most surgery does not involve a bag or colostomy.
Apart from the existence of polyps, bowel cancer appears to be more common in people whose diet is high in fat, and low in fibre, fruit and vegetables. Smoking and alcohol consumption may also add to the risk.
So while just crunching one red apple a day may not keep the doctor away, we certainly need to eat more fruit and vegetables. We also need to limit our alcohol intake to no more than two drinks a day and we should definitely not smoke. It seems regular physical activity also reduces the risk.
Pharmacies providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care material can give you more information about bowel cancer. Phone 1300 369 772 and ask for the fact cards titled Fibre and Bowel Health and Fat and Cholesterol. They contain some great hints on how to keep your bowel, and also the rest of your body healthy and functioning well.
