Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash” />.This week, actor James Van Der Beek died just age 48 following a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis. Colorectal cancer is more commonly known as bowel cancer and here in the UK, bowel cancer accounts for 11% of all new cancer cases, with around 19,600 new cases in females and around 24,500 new cases in males every year, according to Cancer Research UK. While the condition is most common in elderly adults, bowel cancer cases are rising among young people with Bowel Cancer UK sharing that more than 2,600 people under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year and the number is increasing.However, it is preventable and as with all cancers, early intervention is key.Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer According to the NHS, the main symptoms of bowel cancer are: changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for youneeding to poo more or less often than usual for youblood in your poo, which may look red or blackbleeding from your bottomoften feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilettummy paina lump in your tummybloatinglosing weight without tryingfeeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancerThe NHS also adds that you should see your GP if you have any symptoms of bowel cancer for 3 weeks or more. How to reduce risk of bowel cancerThe UK Health Security (UKHSA) says: “We don’t know what causes most bowel cancers, but we do know that some factors increase your risk of developing the disease. Some of these factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed.“However, research shows that around half (54%) of all bowel cancers could be prevented by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.”These include:Reducing red and processed meatEating more fibre (the recommended amount is around 30g a day)Drinking 6-8 glasses of hydrating fluids every day. “Water, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count”Maintain a healthy body weightBe more physically activeLimit your alcohol intakeStopping smoking If you are concerned about symptoms, get in touch with your GP as soon as possible.Related…Doctor Shares 6 Signs Of Bowel Cancer Young People Need To Watch Out ForDawson’s Creek Star James Van Der Beek Has Died, Aged 484 Foods A GI Surgeon Eats Every Day To Ward Off Bowel Cancer HuffPost UK – Athena2 – All Entries (Public) Read More