Bowel Cancer in Young People: A Guide

Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine. It is also known as colorectal cancer. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, after lung cancer. It is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 50, but it can also affect younger people.

Symptoms of bowel cancer in young people

The symptoms of bowel cancer in young people are similar to the symptoms in older people. These can include:

* Bleeding from the bottom or blood in your stools
* Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
* Abdominal pain or cramping
* Weight loss
* Fatigue
* Nausea and vomiting

Risk factors for bowel cancer in young people

There are a number of risk factors for bowel cancer in young people, including:

* A family history of bowel cancer
* Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
* A diet high in red and processed meat
* Obesity
* Smoking
* Alcohol consumption

Diagnosis of bowel cancer in young people

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of bowel cancer, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and may perform a physical examination. They may also order some tests, such as:

* A blood test
* A stool sample test
* A colonoscopy

Treatment for bowel cancer in young people

The treatment for bowel cancer in young people will depend on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include:

* Surgery
* Chemotherapy
* Radiotherapy
* Targeted therapy
* Immunotherapy

Outlook for bowel cancer in young people

The outlook for bowel cancer in young people is generally good. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outlook.

Prevention of bowel cancer in young people

There is no sure way to prevent bowel cancer, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

* Eating a healthy diet
* Maintaining a healthy weight
* Getting regular exercise
* Quitting smoking
* Limiting alcohol consumption
* Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV

If you are concerned about your risk of bowel cancer, talk to your doctor.