Bowel cancer is on the rise, and alarmingly, it’s affecting more men under 50 than ever before.

While the reasons behind this increase are still being studied, experts agree that early detection is key, it can dramatically improve treatment outcomes. 

Why Are Bowel Cancer Rates Rising?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but research points to several contributing factors:

• Poor diet quality - high intake of processed meats and low fibre consumption.
• Sedentary lifestyles - prolonged sitting reduces digestive function.
• Smoking and alcohol use - both linked to higher cancer risk.
• Obesity and metabolic changes - increasing overall inflammation in the body.

Combined with low awareness and delayed screening, these factors have contributed to the growing number of cases. That’s why education and early testing are crucial.

Early Detection and Symptoms

Early detection of bowel issues - especially bowel cancer can dramatically improve outcomes, with successful treatment rates exceeding 90% when identified early.

• Persistent changes in bowel habits - such as diarrhea, constipation, or feeling unable to completely empty your bowels 
  
• Blood in the stool - which may appear bright red or very dark 
  
• Thinner or pencil-like stools - indicating possible narrowing of the bowel. 
  
• Abdominal symptoms - including persistent pain, cramps, bloating, or a feeling of fullness.
• Anal or rectal discomfort - including pain, soreness, or lumps in or around the anus or rectum. 
  
• Weight loss - particularly if it occurs without diet or lifestyle changes. 
  
• Unexplained fatigue - symptoms like paleness, breathlessness, or general weakness may be signs of internal blood loss and iron deficiency. 
  
• Less common signs - such as blood in the urine, frequent nighttime urination, or a change in urine color (dark, rusty, or brown).

It's essential not to dismiss these symptoms based on age, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

How to Lower Your Risk

While not all cases are preventable, making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk:

• Eat more fibre - whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes
  
• Stay active - aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Limit alcohol and processed meats
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated
• Get screened regularly - early testing is key.

Screening Made Simple: ColoVantage Home Bowel Screening Test Kit

The ColoVantage Home Bowel Screening Test Kit is an easy, non-invasive way to check for hidden blood in your stool - an early sign of bowel disease.

The benefits of this test are:

• Easy and convenient to use.
• Advanced chemistry of ColoVantage® Home is specific for ‘lower gastrointestinal’ bleeding.
• Completed in the privacy of your own home
• Highly accurate

How to Use the ColoVantage Home Bowel Screening Test Kit:

Other Gut Health Helpers

Supporting bowel health isn’t just about screening, it’s also about maintaining a balanced gut environment. Here are some great products to consider:

Natural Evolution GH Green Banana Resistant Starch: This natural multi-fibre blend is rich in resistant starch and prebiotics - a simple way to boost fibre intake and feed your good gut bacteria. Add it to smoothies, baking or yoghurt.

Activated Probiotics Biome IBS Irritable Bowel Probiotic 30 Capsules: A clinically supported probiotic designed to relieve symptoms of medically diagnosed IBS, support healthy bowel function and reduce digestive discomfort.

Take Action Today

Your bowel health is too important to ignore. Make small lifestyle changes, incorporate gut-friendly products into your routine, and most importantly, don’t wait for symptoms. Take proactive steps today with the ColoVantage® Home Bowel Screening Test Kit.