1 July 2009
At the end of this blog you will have read about the range of events we’ve just had in Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim and Masterton about bowel cancer with our wonderful guest speaker Dr Andrew Luck from Adelaide.
You can now read his presentations on our website www.cancersoc.org.nz click on ‘Cancer Update’
9 June 2009
Bowel cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand and we have one of the highest death rates from bowel cancer in the developed world.
There are approximately 1200 deaths each year and about 2700 new cases of bowel cancer each year. It may occur at any age, although 90 percent of cases are in individuals over the age of 50.International evidence shows that a bowel cancer screening programme can reduce the death rate by 10 to 15%.
What is the cause of bowel cancer?
The basic cause of bowel cancer is not known. It is more common in the developed countries within which there are interesting variations. Dietary factors appear to be important as bowel cancer is less common in vegetarians. Genetic factors are also a significant issue.
Is there any difference in bowel cancer in females and males?
Bowel cancer is slightly more common in men. Rectal cancer is also more common in men, but in women colon cancer is more common than rectal cancer.
At what age does it occur?
It is unusual for bowel cancer to occur before 40 years of age, in a patient who is an average risk. The risk however increases throughout life.
If I have a relative with bowel cancer does that increase my risk?
One close (first degree) relative such as mother, father, sister, brother or child, increases the risk of bowel cancer threefold. Two first degree relatives increase the risk by a factor of eight. Multiple second degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) undoubtedly have an influence on the development of bowel cancer in a patient but mathematical expressions of this risk are not available.
At what age should the children start investigation and how long should this continue?
In typical circumstances, tests should commence around the late 30’s. If the parent’s bowel cancer occurred before 45 years of age the screening investigations of the offspring should begin at an earlier age. Regular tests should continue for life.
What are the symptoms?
Rectal bleeding and an alteration in bowel habit are the most frequent symptoms. Abdominal pain and anaemia may be related to bowel cancer.
Can bowel cancer be prevented by a healthy diet?
The reduced roughage in the diet of the Western Community this century, has resulted in a population whose transit times (passage of faeces) in the colon are slower than optimal. It has been postulated that cancer producing substances (carcinogens) in the faeces will act on the bowel wall for longer periods. More roughage (fibre) in the diet is therefore recommended to increase the transit time.
The digestive reaction between bacteria, bile and animal fats remains under suspicion as a possible factor in bowel cancer. In view of these observations a precautionary policy of removing fat from red meat, and consuming less red meat is recommended.
High fibre and leafy vegetables may contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds but this is unproven at the present time. However, their inclusion in the diet is nevertheless recommended.
Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer Screening Programme for New Zealanders
The Ministry of Health has reviewed options for bowel cancer screening for a number of years and screening activity has been increasing internationally in the last decade.
Italy, France, the UK, Australia, Canada and Finland are implementing, or have already implemented, bowel cancer screening programmes.
In May 2008 the Minister of Health announced that a New Zealand bowel cancer screening programme would be established.
For more information on screening visit the Ministy of Health website:
Cancer Update Annual Public Lecture:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/cancercontrol-strategyandactionplan-bowelcancerscreening
Cancer Society Wellington Presents:
“From Behind Closed Doors Getting to the Bottom of Bowel Cancer”
Screening, policy and lifestyle. Dr. Andrew Luck, Colorectal Cancer Surgeon. Adelaide
Public Lectures will be held in
Wellington: Thursday 18th June 2009
Venue: Spectrum Theatre BP House cnr Customhouse Quay & Johnston Street
Time: 6.00-7.30pm
Blenheim: Tuesday 16th June
Venue: Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel
Time: 7.00-8.30pm
Nelson: Wednesday 17th June
Venue: Suburban Club, 168 Tahunanui Drive
Time:12.30-1.45pm
Wairarapa: Thursday 18th June
Venue: Masterton Town Hall (Frank Cody Lounge)
Time: 12.30-1.45pm
Also additional programmes:
Monday 15th June: 8.40am Interview TV One-Breakfast TV
Tuesday 16th June: 10.30am Interview RadioZB .Talkback with Justin Du Fresne. Public have an opportunity to ask Dr Andrew Luck any questions on Bowel Cancer.
Naena Chhima
Cancer Information Nurse.
