Doctors explain five key lifestyle changes to reduce risk of bowel cancer as James Van Der Beek dies aged 48
The father-of-six, 48, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023
Yale Medicine doctors have shared five lifestyle changes that can reduce the likelihood of developing bowel cancer.
The family of Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek said on Wednesday that the 48-year-old passed away following his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023.
With cases on the rise among people under the age of 50, three Yale Medicine colon and rectal surgery doctors have recommended five preventative measures to reduce bowel cancer risk.
Although it cannot be known for sure why colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, it is thought that around half of all bowel cancers could be prevented by having a healthier lifestyle, according to Bowel Cancer UK.
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The UK's leading bowel cancer charity said there has been a 50 percent increase in cases since the mid 1990s, with over 2,400 to 2,600 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK. It's the second biggest cancer killer in Britain.
Five lifestyle changes to reduce bowel cancer risk
Quit smoking
Smoking not only increases bowel cancer risk, but also causes a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
It remains the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for approximately 19–27 percent of all cancer deaths and one in five new cancer diagnoses, the NHS says.
Drink responsibly
The NHS generally advises people not to go over 14 units a week.
That's the equivalent of seven pints with four percent alcohol, or one and a half bottles of wine with 12 percent alcohol by volume.
However, the American Cancer Society advises no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
Work out
You increase your risk of developing bowel cancer if you sit still all day.
Being more active could lower your risk.
Dr Sam Orange, Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University, said: “Previous scientific evidence suggests that more exercise is better for reducing bowel cancer risk as the more physical activity people do, the lower their chances of getting it. Our findings support this idea.
“When exercise is repeated multiple times each week over an extended period, cancer-fighting substances - such as IL-6 - released into the bloodstream have the opportunity to interact with abnormal cells, repairing their DNA and reducing growth into cancer.”
Lose weight
"Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of bowel cancer," Bowel Cancer UK says.
"Measuring your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple way of finding out if you’re a healthy weight for your height. Your practice nurse, GP or dietitian can help you, or you can check your BMI on the NHS website."
Consider a diet high in fibre
It is recommended to take up to 25 grams of fibre a day to maintain a healthy colon.
This means eating more fruit and veg, along with whole grains and beans.
Fibre keeps you fuller for longer and also makes it more difficult to overeat.
Topics: Health, Bowel cancer, Cancer
Anish Vij