Bowel cancer rates are rising among young people in England, with the country experiencing the fourth-fastest growth rate globally, according to a recent study, the Guardian reports.
While researchers are still investigating the causes of this trend, certain lifestyle choices, health conditions, and genetic predispositions have been identified as potential risk factors. This article outlines some of the key contributors to bowel cancer risk, including diet, body weight, alcohol and tobacco use, family history, and chronic bowel diseases.
1. Diet: The Role of Red Meat, Processed Foods, and Fibre
Diet plays a significant role in the risk of developing bowel cancer. Consuming high amounts of red and processed meats, such as bacon, salami, sausages, and canned meats, is linked to an estimated 13 out of 100 bowel cancer cases in the UK. These foods contain chemicals called nitrosamines, which can damage DNA and promote cancer development.
To reduce risk, the UK government recommends limiting red and processed meat intake to no more than 70g per day for those consuming more than 90g daily. Swapping red meat for chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins is a practical option.
Another dietary factor is fibre intake. Eating too little fibre is linked to around 30 in 100 bowel cancer cases in the UK. Fibre supports healthy bowel function and can be found in fruits, vegetables, pulses, wholegrains, and wholegrain cereals. Simple dietary changes, such as switching from white rice to brown rice or choosing wholegrain breakfast cereals, can help increase fibre intake and reduce cancer risk.
2. Weight and Physical Activity: The Link Between Obesity and Bowel Cancer
Obesity is another critical factor in bowel cancer risk. It is estimated that 11 out of 100 bowel cancers in the UK are linked to being overweight or obese. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while being overweight refers to a BMI between 25 and 30.
Regular physical activity can reduce bowel cancer risk. Studies suggest that being more active in the morning and evening could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 11%. This finding highlights the potential importance of timing when it comes to physical activity and cancer prevention. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise are essential for managing body weight and lowering cancer risk.
3. Alcohol and Tobacco: The Impact of Smoking and Drinking
Both alcohol consumption and smoking are known risk factors for bowel cancer. Around 7 in 100 bowel cancer cases in the UK are linked to smoking, while alcohol consumption is linked to an estimated 6 in 100 cases.
When alcohol is metabolized by the body, it breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can bind to DNA and cause mutations, potentially leading to cancer. Excessive drinking also increases the levels of certain hormones that are linked to cancer development. Binge drinking, in particular, poses a higher risk.
Smoking has long been associated with multiple forms of cancer, and bowel cancer is no exception. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes they consume, the higher the risk of developing cancer.
4. Family History and Genetic Risk Factors
Family history can also play a role in bowel cancer risk. If an immediate family member (such as a parent, sibling, or child) has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, particularly at a young age (under 45), the risk is slightly elevated. The presence of multiple cases within the family increases this risk even further.
In 5-6% of bowel cancer cases, a genetic predisposition is responsible. The two most common inherited genetic conditions associated with bowel cancer are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome. Individuals with FAP typically undergo preventive surgery to remove the colon in their 20s to avoid cancer development.
5. Chronic Bowel Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. These diseases cause long-term inflammation of the bowel, which can trigger abnormal changes in the cells lining the bowel. People who have lived with either of these conditions for several years face a higher risk of bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is influenced by a range of lifestyle, health, and genetic factors. While the exact reasons for the rising rates of bowel cancer in young people remain unclear, evidence points to the role of diet, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, family history, and chronic bowel diseases as key contributors. Making healthy lifestyle choices — such as eating a fibre-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption — may help reduce bowel cancer risk. For those with a family history of the disease or genetic predispositions, early screening and medical advice are recommended.
