Are you at risk of developing bowel cancer?

To determine whether you are at risk of developing bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer), print this test and respond to the following questions by choosing either "yes" or "no".

Are you 50 years old or older?

__Yes __No

Age is a very significant risk factor for bowel cancer. The older you are, the higher the risk. With each decade after the age of 40,bowel cancer becomes more common. Bowel cancer is rare in people under 40 years of age, except where there is a strong family history.

Have you had a colorectal polyp or bowel cancer in the past?

__Yes __No

If you've had colorectal polyps or bowel cancer in the past, you are at greater risk of developing more polyps or having a recurrence of bowel cancer.

Has anyone in your family had polyps or bowel cancer?

__Yes __No

Sometimes the abnormal genes in the cells lining the colon which allow polyps and cancer to develop are inherited. The more family members who have colorectal polyps or bowel cancer, the higher your risk. In most cases, the genes become abnormal by chance or because of cancer-producing chemicals (carcinogens) in the foods we eat.

Do you eat more meat and fats than fibre?

__Yes __No

Many lifestyle factors have been associated with a higher risk of bowel cancer. These include eating too much red and processed meat and animal fats, and not eating enough fibre or fresh vegetables. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may also increase your risk.

Have you had inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis?

__Yes __No

Having for many years severe ulcerative colitis or severe Crohn's disease increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Have you noticed persistent changes in your bowel habits?

__Yes __No

The presence of symptoms means that you may need attention beyond screening. Symptoms such as a change in normal bowel habit towards diarrhoea or looser stools, rectal bleeding or blood in the stools, a lump in the abdomen or rectum, or unexplained weight loss. If you develop these symptoms, don't delay in seeking medical advice.

Did you answer YES to more than one of these questions?

__Yes __No

Having a combination of risk factors significantly increases your overall risk of developing bowel cancer. For example, if you have already had a polyp, and find out a close relative has also had one, your risk is increased. Risk status can change, therefore, and should be updated.

The results

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you are at increased risk of developing bowel cancer.

If you are at risk, what do you do?

First, pat yourself on the back! By taking the time to determine your risk of developing bowel cancer, you have taken an important step towards preventing it. If you are concerned about your risk level, or you have any bowel symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

NHS screening programme

Whether or not you have risk factors for bowel cancer, it’s very important that you take part in the NHS bowel screening programme. This is offered to everyone aged between 60 and 69 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and to those aged 50 to 74 in Scotland. Older people can request a test kit. It’s a very simple test that you carry out at home, using a test kit sent to you when you reach the relevant age. The tests are then repeated every two years.

Screening tests are also available privately at any age.