Prevention

Whilst the exact causes of bowel cancer aren't known, there are certain things that you can do to reduce your risk of bowel cancer:

Understand the symptoms. Know what the symptoms of bowel cancer are and go to your GP if you recognise any unexpected changes that have lasted at least 3 weeks.

Exercise regularly by doing at least half an hour of moderate physical activity at least 5 times a week. The more active you are, the more you cut your risk of bowel cancer.

Value your body. Keep your weight in check. Leaner people are far less likely to develop bowel cancer than obese people.

Cut down on alcohol. There is limited risk if you drink only a small amount e.g. 1 small drink a day for women or 2 small drinks a day for men. The more you cut down, the more you reduce your risk.

Eat healthily. It is important to eat from the widest possible range of foods every day, including fruit and lots of vegetables, dairy products - milk, cheese and yoghurt - eggs, wholegrain bread and cereals, rice and pasta, and seed or olive oils.

Try cutting down on calorie-rich sugary snacks and drinks by substituting water and healthy snacks instead.  Eat smaller portions of fresh red meats (beef, lamb and pork), limiting them to just 2 or 3 meals per week.

Cut out meat that has been processed with preservatives (ham, bacon, sausages, beefburgers) from your regular diet if you can, or limit them to 1 meal a week . Fish and poultry are good alternatives to red meat, as are soya and quorn.

Stop smoking. Tobacco contains many toxins which have a negative effect on your body and significantly increase your risk of cancer.

NHS Choices provides further information on the prevention of bowel cancer.