Bowel cancer is super common—it’s actually one of the most diagnosed cancers in the world. In Europe alone, around 500,000 people are diagnosed every year.

Also called colorectal or colon cancer (depending on where it is in the bowel), it starts in the inner lining of the bowel and usually comes from small growths called polyps.

Now, not all polyps turn into cancer, but whether they do depends on their size, how many there are, and if they have abnormal cells. If bowel cancer isn’t caught early, it can spread deeper into the bowel wall and even to the lymph nodes.

There’s a lot to know about preventing and catching bowel cancer early, which is why we’re sharing the top 6 things you need to know.

The more you’re aware of the signs and risks, the sooner you can act—and that could save your life!

1. People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease could be at a higher risk of bowel cancer

If you have an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, your risk of developing bowel cancer might be higher.

The longer you’ve been living with the condition, the greater the risk.

For example, one study found that about 3% of people who had Crohn’s for 10 years developed bowel cancer, and that number jumped to 8% for those with Crohn’s for 30 years [1].

So, why do these conditions increase the risk? It all comes down to inflammation.

In Crohn’s, the high levels of inflammation in the intestines can make it easier for abnormal cells to form in the GI tract, which can potentially lead to cancer. With colitis, your immune system attacks the lining of your colon, causing ongoing damage. As your body works to repair this damage, constant cell replacement and inflammation can sometimes result in mutations that may lead to cancer.

If you’re managing an inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your doctor about the best ways to lower your risk of bowel cancer. Managing your condition well can make a big difference!

2. There are different types of bowel cancer

Bowel cancer can show up in different parts of the bowel or back passage, and each type has its own name:

• Small bowel cancer: Found in the small bowel.
• Colon cancer: Found in the large bowel.
• Rectal cancer: Found in the back passage.
• Anal cancer: Found in the opening of the bowel.

The most common type of bowel cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the gland cells lining the bowel wall. These cells make mucus that helps stool pass through. About 9 out of 10 cases of bowel cancer are adenocarcinomas, though there are rarer types like mucinous tumours and signet ring tumours.

Other less common types of bowel cancer include:

• Squamous cell tumours: These form in the cells lining the bowel, alongside the gland cells.

• Carcinoid tumours: Slow-growing tumours in hormone-producing tissue, often in the digestive system.

• Sarcomas: Tumours that develop in muscles or bones. Most bowel sarcomas are leiomyosarcomas, which start in the muscle.

• Lymphomas: Cancers of the lymphatic system that can show up in the colon and rectum.

• Melanoma: Usually thought of as skin cancer, melanoma can also start in the rectum.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, but it usually involves:

• Surgery to remove the cancerous part.
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy, which uses radiation to target the cancer.
• Biological treatments to boost chemotherapy and help stop the cancer from spreading.

Every type of bowel cancer is different, so doctors create personalised treatment plans based on what’s best for each person.

3. There's a more than 90% chance of survival for early-stage bowel cancer

Now that we’ve broken down the differences between Crohn’s and IBS, let’s dive into the stages of bowel cancer and how survival rates vary for each:

Stage 1:

About 90% of people will survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. At this stage, the tumour is only in the inner layers of the bowel wall.

Stage 2:

Around 80% of people will survive 5 years or more. The tumour has spread deeper into the layers of the bowel wall but hasn’t reached the lymph nodes yet.

Stage 3:

About 70% of people will survive 5 years or more. At this stage, the tumour is in any layer of the bowel wall and has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 4:

Survival drops significantly, with only about 10% of people living 5 years or more. The tumour has spread beyond the bowel to other parts of the body, like the lungs, liver, or distant lymph nodes.

Understanding these stages highlights why early detection is so important—it can make a huge difference in treatment and outcomes.

4. The risk of bowel cancer increases as you age

Bowel cancer affects about 1 in 14 people by the time they turn 85, with those aged 50 to 74 being at the highest risk.

According to Bowel Cancer UK, more than nine out of ten new bowel cancer cases (94%) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.

While it’s often thought of as an issue for older adults, younger people aren’t immune. In fact, in 2020 there were approximately 150 new cases of bowel cancer in people aged 0-19 and 6,880 cases in people aged 20-44 [2].

It’s a reminder that awareness and early detection are important for everyone, no matter their age.

5. Bowel cancer can be present with no symptoms

The early signs of bowel cancer can be really easy to miss—or not show up at all—which is why almost half of cases are diagnosed later on. That’s why regular screening is so important for anyone 45 and older.

If you’re under 50 and notice any of the symptoms below, don’t ignore them—see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out bowel cancer.

What to watch out for:

• Blood in your poo or bleeding from your rectum
• A sudden, ongoing change in your bowel habits (like looser stools, constipation, going more often, or changes in the size/shape of your poo)
• Feeling like you still need to go, even after you’ve just been
• A lump or pain in your anus or rectum
• Belly pain, cramping, or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling tired all the time (could be due to anaemia)
• Vomiting
• How treatment might affect your bladder or bowels

If you’re diagnosed with bowel cancer, some treatments like surgery or radiation can cause temporary bowel or bladder changes. Here’s what might happen:

• Waste might move faster through your bowel, making it harder to hold on.

• Muscles in your anus might weaken, making it trickier to control bowel movements.

• Radiation can irritate your bladder, causing frequent or urgent bathroom trips—or accidents if you can’t get there in time.

It’s nothing to be embarrassed about—these things happen, and there are plenty of ways to manage them so you can stay comfortable and confident while recovering.

How Invizi can help

Using high-quality continence aids can make a world of difference. Our range includes pads, pull-up pants, and slips designed to handle everything from light leaks to more serious needs. With fast-absorbing materials, odour control, and skin-friendly fabrics, you can rely on them to keep you comfortable.

6. You may be able to lower your bowel cancer risk

While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of bowel cancer—especially if some factors are hereditary—there are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

Here’s what you can do:

• Get moving: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Keep your waistline in check—94cm or less for men and 80cm or less for women is the healthy range.

• Cut back on meat: Avoid processed meats and stick to a maximum of 500g of cooked red meat per week.

• Quit smoking: Say goodbye to cigarettes and avoid secondhand smoke.

• Eat more plants: Include 2 serves of low-fat dairy, 2 serves of fruit, and 5 serves of veggies in your daily diet.

• Go for whole grains and fibre: Swap out processed foods for whole, high-fibre options.

• Drink less alcohol: Stick to no more than 2 standard drinks a day—or cut it out altogether.

• Get screened: If you’re between 50 and 74, make sure you’re getting screened every two years.

It’s worth speaking to your doctor about any concerns or potential risk factors.