Cancer of the Large Bowel
Cancer of the large bowel is one of the commonest cancers in the Western World. It is thought to develop from malignant change in a previously benign overgrowth of the normal colonic mucosa called an adenoma. Over a period of time the adenoma grows and the cells undergo malignant change to produce an adenocarcinoma. In the early stages there will be no symptoms, but later there may be a change in bowel habit, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding. There are both genetic and environmental factors involved in the development of colonic cancer: those with a family history of cancer of the bowel, particularly in a first degree relative, may wish to consider being screened, since early treatment of adenomas may be preventative. All of us may wish to consider paying attention to those dietary factors which may be involved, such as an increased risk with a high intake of red meat or alcohol, and the possible protective effect of selenium. There is some evidence that the incidence of certain colonic cancers may be reduced by life-style changes, particularly an increase in leisure and exercise.
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