June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s talk straight about what actually puts you at risk.
And what you can do to lower those risks.
No scare tactics. No long-winded science lectures. Just clear, local information that could make a real difference to your health.
Did you know? Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, but it’s also one of the most treatable WHEN caught early as confirmed by the Cancer Coucil.
That’s why understanding the causes, symptoms, and lifestyle factors that influence your risk matters
If you’re in Gulliver or the Townsville area and want to take the next step in your health journey, read on.
Side note: At Mooney Street Medical, we’re all about getting screened regularly for bowel cancer as it can, and does, save lives. Ensure you’re up to date here.
What is Bowel Cancer, and How Does It Start?
Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) starts in the lining of the bowel, usually in the colon or rectum.
It often begins as a small growth called a polyp. Not all polyps turn cancerous, but some can if left undetected.
These polyps usually grow slowly and without symptoms. That’s why regular check-ups and screenings can be life-saving.
Finding these growths early means they can often be removed before they become cancerous.
But what causes these polyps in the first place?
Polyps can form for a few different reasons:
- Ageing: Your risk of developing polyps increases from age 45 onwards.
- Family history
- Poor Diet and lifestyle
- Inflammation: Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease which cause chronic inflammation in the bowel.
- Genetics: Some people inherit conditions that make polyps more likely to form.
Most polyps don’t cause symptoms which is why they’re so easy to miss without screening.
Common Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer doesn’t always show signs early which is why knowing your body and watching for changes is so important. Symptoms to look out for include:
- A change in bowel habits (like ongoing diarrhoea or constipation)
- Blood in your stool or on the toilet paper
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- A feeling that the bowel isn’t empty after going
- Fatigue or weakness
If something feels off, especially for more than a couple of weeks, don’t wait. Book a check-up with your GP at Mooney Street Medical. It’s always worth getting it checked.
What Increases Your Risk of Bowel Cancer (And Why)
There’s no single cause, but certain lifestyle factors have been shown to increase your risk over time. Some are well-known, but others might surprise you:
1. Eating Processed or Red Meat Regularly
Think bacon (sorry), sausages, ham, salami, and deli meats. These contain preservatives and chemicals (like nitrates) that can irritate the bowel over time. Red meat, when eaten in large amounts, is also linked with higher risk.
Make these foods a rare treat, not a regular meal choice.
2. Drinking Alcohol Most Days
Alcohol, particularly in higher amounts often, increases your risk of several cancers, including bowel cancer.
Regular drinking, even moderately, can raise inflammation and affect your gut health.
Cutting back, even slightly, can help.
Remember, the recommendation: healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any day.
It’s not just a government warning so they don’t get sued, it’s well researched by The National Health and Medical Research Council.
Take a look here to see if you might be drinking too much, or too often.
3. Smoking
Tobacco affects more than just your lungs. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes travel through your bloodstream, damaging cells throughout your body, including the lining of your bowel.
Over time, this can lead to inflammation, DNA damage, and the development of polyps, which may later turn into cancer.
Studies show that long-term smokers are more likely to develop bowel polyps and bowel cancer than non-smokers.
If you’re a smoker, this is one more reason to quit. At Mooney Street Medical, we can help you create a realistic and supportive plan to stop smoking, at your pace.
4. Being Overweight
Excess weight, especially around the waist, has been linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer.
It’s not about body image, it’s about reducing internal inflammation and hormone levels that can impact your gut.
5. Sitting for Long Periods
Even active people can sit too much. Long workdays at a desk, hours in front of the TV, it all adds up.
Prolonged sitting can affect digestion and reduce circulation in the gut.
Moving regularly, even with small breaks, helps keep things flowing properly.
What Decreases Your Risk of Bowel Cancer
The good news? Small, everyday actions can reduce your risk and help protect your gut.
1. Get More Fibre
Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and veg (especially the leafy and colourful ones) are packed with fibre, which helps clear out waste and keeps your bowel moving well.
Fibre helps your gut in a few keyways, such as:
- It keeps things moving. Fibre adds bulk to your stool and helps it pass through the bowel more easily, which means waste (and potentially harmful substances) spend less time in contact with your bowel lining.
- It feeds the good bacteria in your gut and helps lower inflammation and supports a strong bowel lining.
2. Be More Active
You don’t need to run marathons. Brisk walks, hikes, beach swims, bike rides, Pilates, they all count.
Regular physical activity helps regulate hormones, lowers inflammation, and keeps your gut healthy.
3. Limit Processed Foods
Not just meats, we’re talking snacks, pre-packaged meals, soft drinks, and sugary treats.
These can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which plays a role in cancer development. Choose whole, fresh options when possible, in other words, the healthy options that we all know.
4. Drink More Water
Hydration helps your bowel function properly. Water also supports your body in flushing out toxins and processing nutrients efficiently.
Make it a habit to carry a bottle with you and sip throughout the day, especially in warm weather, or when doing physical activities.
5. Stay on Top of Screenings
Bowel cancer screening is available for eligible Australians aged 45–74, but if you have a family history or symptoms, speak to your GP earlier.
A simple test can detect blood in the stool, often long before symptoms show up.
“Thanks!”, From Your Future Self
You don’t need to be unwell to see a doctor. In fact, often the best time to act is before anything feels wrong.
At Mooney Street Medical, our caring team can help you understand your bowel health, offer guidance, and support you with screenings or follow-up tests if needed.
Bowel cancer is more treatable when caught early, and prevention is always better than waiting.
📅 Book your check-up today, your future self will thank you.
