I’m just going to say it - Bowel cancer is not the sexiest of cancers. While I applaud all the fundraising and awareness that the pink ribbons bring, I feel that the lack of spotlight on other cancers means that we are not as aware about prevention and warning signs. So it was with great happiness when I discovered that April is bowel cancer awareness month.
Bowel Cancer UK created the Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) in April 1998 (previously it had been a week and before that just a day). They say that though bowel cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer, it is highly treatable if discovered early on, which is why awareness is so important.
The aim of BCAM is to make people aware of the simple changes they can make to their diet and lifestyle which will reduce risk of bowel cancer. At the heart of the campaign is ‘Let’s Get Moving’. As exercise reduces risk of bowel cancer, BCAM wants you to start dancing! Similar to the Pink Ribbon Breakfasts, BCAM want you to organise your own Tea Dance either within your community or at home with friends and family. A tea dance is an afternoon or early evening dance, with dances such as the Waltz, Tango and Charleston. Even if you don’t know these dances you can have a spin on the dance floor, or even use this as an opportunity to learn one. If dancing is not your thing you can organise other sponsored activities such as a walk, run or even bowling. You can request to receive a Bowel Cancer UK fundraising pack, or download it, which gives you information on how to get started, promotion and ideas for other fundraising events. It even has a recipe for mini cupcakes for your tea dance!
The Bowel Cancer UK website is full of information and I sincerely recommend a read through. They have great factsheets from diet & exercise and diagnosis to during chemotherapy and living after bowel cancer. Here are the main points I picked up from their ‘ReducingYour Risk’
- Get to know your bowels. Quite simple and important as you’ll be able to spot if anything is unusual.
- Fibre, fibre, fibre. Increase the amount of fibre you eat by having more wholemeal foods, pulses and of course fruit and veg. This helps to keep your digestive system efficient, passing waste through quickly (the longer waste remains in the bowel the more likely it is to cause damage which increases the risk of bowel cancer).
- Eat less red meat. Processed and barbecued red meats contain potential carcinogens and as it is difficult to digest it remains in the bowel for longer.
- Eat more fish. Some studies suggest more fish can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
- Drink lots of water
- Watch your weight. Overweight people have an increased risk of bowel cancer
For more information please see the Bowel Cancer UK website: Bowel Cancer UK
