Bowel Cancer
The bowels are the intestines, consisting of the small intestine (the
section between the stomach and the appendix) and the large intestine
(from the appendix to the anus). The large intestine is divided into
the long colon and a short rectum, just before the anus. Two thirds of
bowel cancers occur in the colon and one third in the rectum, with
very few in the small intestine.
Who is at risk of bowel cancer?
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There are about 35,000 new cases each year in the UK. More than 80% of
these are in people over 60. Obesity can increase the risk of cancer
of the colon by up to one third. High alcohol intake is also known to
increase the risk of bowel cancer. However, some common drugs, such as
aspirin-like painkillers and hormone replacement therapy, are known to
reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
· family history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps. Risk is more
than doubled if a close family member such as a parent, sibling or
child has colon cancer.
· A condition known as hereditary nonpolposis colon cancer syndrome is
also genetic.
· Relatives that had an early on set of colon cancer
· Individuals over the age of 50 are at an increased risk
· African-Americans are at a slightly higher risk
· Highest in developed countries such as the United States and Japan
· Slightly higher in men than women
· People with Crohn’s disease
· People with ulcerative colitis
· Diets high in fat and red meat
· Diets low in fiber
· Obesity
· Smokers
· Diabetics
· Excessive alcohol consumption on a daily basis
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... nausea and vomiting are common.
Immunotherapy
This type of cancer therapy is also referred to as biological therapy.
Immunotherapy uses your body’s immune system to reduce the side
effects caused by chemotherapy, radiation and other types of
treatments that may cause damage to cells. This therapy is also used
to combat the cancer itself. If this type of therapy works, it can
repair and increase your body’s immune system.
How effective is the treatment?
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If diagnosed early, before the tumour has spread from the bowel, these
treatments are very effective, with about 90% of patients alive five
years after diagnosis. However, if the cancer is advanced at the time
of diagnosis (i.e. it has spread to the lymph nodes) only about half
of the patients survive for five years.