Bowel cancer risk doubles for men

01/08/2011

Ageing population and lifestyle changes lie behind increase

Men's risk of developing bowel cancer has doubled since the mid 70s, according to new figures published today by Cancer Research UK.

Their risk of being diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime has increased from around one in 29 to around one in 15. For women, bowel cancer risk has risen by more than a quarter, from one in 26 to one in 19.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, after breast and lung cancer. The increase in incidence is partly the result of the ageing population - 86% of bowel cancers are diagnosed in those aged over 60. The roll out of the national bowel cancer screening programme since 2006 - which tests people aged 60-68 for the disease - has increase the incidence in this age group by 11% in this time frame.

Half of all patients diagnosed with the disease survive for last least ten years, compared to around 23% in the early 1970s.

Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "An ageing population as well as changes in lifestyle have both led to more people developing cancer than a generation ago.

"But even though the chances of getting the disease have increased in the population there are many ways that people can cut their own risk. You can reduce your risk of bowel cancer by keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a healthy diet that’s high in fibre and low in red and processed meat, cutting down on alcohol and not smoking. It’s also important to take up the opportunity to take part in bowel screening when invited."