Bowel Cancer On The Increase In British Men And Women

Bowel Cancer On The Increase For British Men and Women

The latest figures released by Cancer Research UK have revealed that bowel cancer rates in British men have seen a dramatic increase to almost double since the 1970s with approximately one in 15 men being at risk of developing the disease.

The figures for women at risk from Bowel Cancer have also risen by more than 25 per cent.

There were 21,500 cases of bowel cancer reported in men in 2008, compared to the 11,800 in 1975, and in women the cases have risen from 13,500 in 1975 to 17,400 in the same year.

Experts believe that the sharp rise in cases of bowel cancer for both men and women is partly due to rich diets that include, red meat, processed meats and excluding the right amounts of daily fresh fruit and vegetables a healthy body requires.

“An ageing population as well as changes in lifestyle have both lead 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 is high in fibre and low in red and processed meat.

“Cut down on alcohol and stop smoking”, said Sam Hiom, Director of Health Information for Cancer Research UK.