How does bowel cancer develop?
Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer. The lining of the bowel is made up of cells that are constantly being renewed. Sometimes these cells grow too quickly, forming a clump of cells, known as a bowel polyp. Polyps are not bowel cancers but they can develop into cancer over a number of years. Bowel cancer can develop in any part of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.
Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer. The lining of the bowel is made up of cells that are constantly being renewed. Sometimes these cells grow too quickly, forming a clump of cells, known as bowel polyp. Polyps are not bowel cancers but they can develop into cancer over a number of years. Bowel cancer can develop in any part of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum. Who is at risk from bowel cancer? Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. The biggest single risk factor for bowel cancer is age, and eight out of ten people who get bowel cancer are over the age of 60. Diet, lifestyle and family history can also affect a person’s chances of developing bowel cancer. Men: The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer for men is around one in 18. Women: The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer for women is around one in 20. Anyone concerned about their health, or their risk of developing bowel cancer, should contact th
