Latest news with #BowelResearchUK
BBC News
27-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Bowel cancer survivor overcomes treatment to run London Marathon
A man who struggled to walk after being treated for bowel cancer has trained to run for the London Knowles, from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, only began training for the event in January as he was still recovering from treatment caused nerve damage to his hands and feet, meaning it is now "extremely painful" to walk or run longer than about seven joked: "The intention is to run the marathon in six or seven minutes." The father of four explained that although the nerve damage could heal over time it was unlikely the pain in his right foot would September 2023 the music producer had danced through a walking marathon wearing a heavy backpack and a later he assumed the pain in his stomach was due to a pulled shortly after Christmas 2023 he was told he had colitis and sent for a colonoscopy the following February, when it was detected as stage three was set for an operation to remove the cancer in May but it was brought forward to April due to a cancellation."If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be here now because it would've become stage four," he Knowles' core took time to recover from the surgery. In hospital his wife Mikhaila joked that he could manage only 26 steps while London Marathon runners were achieving 26 miles the same weekend. Although the chemotherapy treatment has left him with difficulties walking, the 44-year-old is grateful to be paid tribute to the support of his family, which includes his uncle - television presenter Nick laughed: "When I said I was going to do it in the first place, he said, 'are you sure about that?'"I'll probably have one of his songs, and my father's songs as well, in my ears just because we're a close family."I'm trying to think about how because I also don't want to switch off from what's going on around me. I want to take that in as well. I think that's a huge part of it." Mr Knowles is currently cancer free and hoping to raise money for Bowel Research UK, who he described as "unsung heroes"."What they do working in the background has given me a second shot of life," he said."It's given my wife her husband back. It's given my kids their dad back." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Can I reduce my risk of bowel cancer?
A new study has shown more than 90% accuracy in predicting bowel cancer risk, based on a high-risk group of people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), over the next five years. People with IBD, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, are known to have an increased chance of developing bowel cancer, but not all will develop it. Routine screenings for pre-cancerous growths in the gut are currently offered to people with IBD and, if found, suggest a 30% chance of developing bowel cancer within 10 years. However, the new study, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in the journal Gut, discovered that DNA alterations in these pre-cancerous cells, when analysed by an algorithm, can predict with more than 90% accuracy who will develop bowel cancer within the next five years. Researchers hope that this method could eventually lead to a straightforward blood test to identify IBD patients who are most at risk. Commenting on this study, Georgia Sturt, research and grants manager at Bowel Research UK said: 'Today's research is an exciting step forward in helping identify people with Crohn's or colitis who are most at risk of bowel cancer, which is important because it can be worrying if pre-cancerous growths are found in routine checks for these patients, as we don't know for sure whether they will develop into cancer. 'For people without a condition like Crohn's or colitis, there are many lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.' So, here are 8 ways to reduce your risk of bowel cancer… 1. Stop smoking 'Seven out of 100 bowel cancers in the UK are linked to smoking and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked a day, so stopping smoking is an important way to reduce your risk,' advises Sturt. 2. Reduce intake of red meat 'Diet plays an important role in the development of the disease,' highlights Sturt. 'Reducing your intake of red and processed meat will help decrease the chance of getting bowel cancer. 'For example, you could swap out beef, sausages and bacon for chicken or fish.' 3. Feed yourself with fibre 'Fibre has many important functions within the bowel, such as increasing the weight and size of your stool and softening it, so it's easier to pass,' explains Dr Dave Nichols, NHS GP and resident doctor for at-home testing provider MyHealthChecked. 'It's crucial to aim for 30g of fibre a day, which is available from wholemeal bread, brown rice, fruit and veg, beans and oats.' 4. Increase calcium intake 'Getting plenty calcium can help decrease the chance of getting bowel cancer,' says Sturt. 'Add milk and dairy to your diet for calcium – or non-dairy alternatives that have calcium added.' 5. Avoid ultra-processed food 'Limiting the intake of ultra-processed food is also important; reduce the intake of things such as crisps, breakfast cereals, sausages, ham, and mass-produced bread,' advises Nichols. 6. Maintain a healthy weight 'Being overweight increases your risk of bowel cancer,' says Sarah Sweenie, health information and evidence manager at Bowel Cancer UK. 'To manage your weight, be mindful of portion sizes, avoid sugary drinks, limit alcohol consumption, and choose healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.' 7. Limit alcohol consumption 'Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer including bowel cancer,' says Sweenie. 'If you do drink alcohol, cutting down the amount you drink will reduce your risk. 'It's recommended that men and women drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week and spread it out over the week. Aim to have at least two alcohol free days a week.' 8. Stay physically active Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk. 'Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, each week,' recommends Sweenie. 'This not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also keeps your digestive system healthy. 'If you don't do much physical activity, try starting with 10 minutes and increase the time gradually.'
