June: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
by Dr Jesse Beumer
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to reflect on how bowel cancer affects individuals and families throughout Australia. Like many others, my family has been personally touched by this disease. Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, but there are numerous ways to improve outcomes through early detection, effective screening, and lifestyle changes.
The Importance of Screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers at-home tests every two years for eligible Australians aged 45 to 74. These tests aim to detect silent bleeding in the bowel, which, if positive, necessitates further investigation through a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is not only essential for following up on positive screening results; it also plays a vital role in investigating any changes in bowel function. This procedure enables the detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, facilitating earlier cancer detection and significantly improving overall outcomes.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Addressing underlying modifiable risk factors is crucial for reducing the incidence of bowel cancer in our population. Key modifiable risk factors include:
- Smoking
- High alcohol intake
- Dietary choices, particularly high consumption of processed meats
- Obesity
Obesity is a recognised risk factor for various cancers, including colorectal cancer. In a recent systematic review of scientific literature, bariatric surgery was found to significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals with obesity (HR: 0.81, p = 0.0142).
Research Highlight
A study titled “Does Bariatric Surgery Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Individuals with Morbid Obesity? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” published on January 16, 2023, emphasises this protective effect. The authors include Andrea Chierici et al., and the article can be accessed through this link.
Conclusion
Raising awareness about bowel cancer and its risk factors is essential for improving health outcomes in our communities. By promoting regular screenings and addressing lifestyle factors, we can take significant steps toward reducing the burden of this disease.
Understand your risk factors, understand your BMI and understand your options.
References
- Chierici, A., Amoretti, P., Drai, C., De Fatico, S., Barriere, J., Schiavo, L., & Iannelli, A. (2023). Does Bariatric Surgery Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Individuals with Morbid Obesity? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(2), 467. doi: 10.3390/nu15020467.