The ABC or Against Bowel Cancer campaign was developed to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and to inform people of simple lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Northern Ireland. Locally, there are around 1,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year accounting for approximately 20% of all cancers, with around 400 deaths.
If diagnosed and treated early, bowel cancer patients have a great chance of successful recovery. However, prevention is key and what we eat can make a big difference. We’re never too young or too old to start to adopt healthy eating patterns.
Steps to preventing bowel cancer:
eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals (at least 5 portions a day) reduce the amount of red and processed meat you eat eat less fat keep alcohol consumption within sensible limits avoid being overweight exercise regularly be aware of your normal bowel habits