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What can I do to reduce my risk of bowel cancer?

Take part in the bowel screening programme every two years.
 
Move more

  • Being active helps you feel better and can reduce your risk of developing a serious illness.
  • Aim to be active for at least 2.5 hours a week.

Drink less

  • Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of heart disease, cancer and liver damage.
  • If you want to keep the risks low, drink no more than 14 units a week.
  • If you want to cut down, have several drink-free days a week.

Eat well

  • Eating fruit and vegetables may help reduce your risk of developing serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
  • Try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

Don't smoke

  • Stopping smoking will improve your health.

What symptoms should I look out for?

  • Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo.
  • A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit.
  • ​Unexplained weight loss.
  • Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason.
  • A pain or lump in your tummy.