BOWEL cancer is all too common in Ireland, but can be cured when caught early. It is early detection, along with being aware of symptoms and risk, that can help save lives.
HSE Mid West consultant colorectal surgeon Christina Flemin, has outlined the treatments available locally and the symptoms to look out for.
Ms Flemin wants to advise people of the ease of registration for the national BowelScreen programme and to emphasise that awareness of the symptoms and risks is the key to maximising the chances of the best outcomes after treatment.
Nationally, more than 2,500 cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed each year, and almost 80 per cent are diagnosed at a point where there is potential for cure.
In Limerick along, more than 100 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year.
Even for those who present when a cure is not likely, there are various treatment options that can be considered with the aim of controlling the cancer.
Bowel cancer can be treated with combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and newer emerging targeted therapies.
In 2024, 221 patients underwent surgical management for bowel cancer in the Mid West. Over 80 per cent of these underwent surgery with the intention of curing their bowel cancer.
“The first step towards early diagnosis can be taken by yourself: by not ignoring what may be symptoms and risk factors,” Ms Flemin said.
“Not everyone will experience every one of the following symptoms, and you should note that these may be signs of conditions other than bowel cancer. However, it’s important to listen to your body and get any changes checked with your doctor.
“More than two-thirds of patients present after noticing blood in the poo (which may be bright or dark red and closer to black), or with tummy pain or feeling very tired for no reason.
“Other common symptoms include bleeding or pain in your bottom, a feeling of not emptying the bowel completely after a bowel movement, or feeling a lump anywhere in the tummy,” she explained.
“Losing weight for no reason and changes in a toilet habit persisting beyond a few weeks may also occur”.
Age is also a significant risk factor, particularly for those aged over 50. However, diagnosis is increasingly common among younger people, so symptoms should not be ignored at any age, the consultant colorectal surgeon said.
She also advised people to be aware of any family history with bowel cancer as “while inherited bowel cancers account for fewer than 10 per cent of all bowel cancers, it is very important to know if bowel cancer exists in your family”.
“It’s important to remember that while the risk factors increase your chance of getting bowel cancer, it does not mean that you will get bowel cancer. Sometimes, people with no risk factors may get bowel cancer.”
BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, offers bowel cancer screening to anyone aged 59 to 70 years old, including those who are not experiencing any bowel symptoms.
People in that age group should check if they are on the BowelScreen register by calling 1800 45 45 55 or emailing [email protected] for a free, painless test which is done at home.
