This week thousands of kids donned crazy socks to raise funds for the Kids Cancer Project. Unlike adult cancers, for which risks can be modified through lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking or losing weight, there are no such risk factors for childhood cancers. So the Kids Cancer Project raises money for research to improve treatments and find effective cures.

As adults however, there are things we can do to prevent cancer, and this blog post highlights bowel cancer, one of the most preventable cancers. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia, but if detected early, up to 90% of cases can be successfully treated. There are three ways you can reduce your risk:

Follow lifestyle and diet advice for a healthy bowel
Know the symptoms of bowel cancer and present to your GP sooner rather than later
And take part in the national screening programme when you reach 50.

How can I reduce my risk of getting bowel cancer?

Research supports advice to increase fibre intake through wholegrains and fruit and vegetables, to avoid processed meats, to limit alcohol, maintain regular exercise and keep your weight down.

If I get bowel cancer how can I treat it early?

The symptoms you need to know:

bleeding from the rectum (back passage), or any sign of blood after a bowel motion
a recent and persistent change in bowel habit (more than three weeks), for example looser bowel motions, severe constipation and/or needing to go to the toilet more than usual
and persistent tummy pain or being off your food.

If you experience any of these symptoms present to your doctor sooner rather than later. Your GP can usually reassure you but it's better to be safe than sorry, and certainly no cause to be embarrassed.

What is bowel cancer screening?

The National Bowel Screening Programme is currently expanding and by 2020, all Australians aged between 50 and 74 years of age will be offered free screening every two years. This simple test could save your life. So don't be embarrassed - pop it in the post when it arrives.

If you have a higher risk of bowel cancer than the general population e.g. because of family history or inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your GP today as regular screening may be recommended.