‘Silent’ condition suffered by 1 in 5 people in the UK raises your risk of bowel cancer by 24%, shock study reveals
A HIDDEN condition suffered by one in five Brits has been linked to one of the fastest growing cancers in young people in the UK.
Having nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, usually seen in people who are overweight and obese – may raise the risk of early-onset bowel cancer, a new study suggests.
Suffered by around 13 million people in the UK, NAFLD often presents with no symptoms and increases the likelihood of developing a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Now, scientists say the condition causes inflammation in the body that can lead to cancer.
The team of researchers found people under the age of 50 with a history of NAFLD were up to 24 per cent at greater risk of bowel cancer than those with no history of liver disease.
Those who showed early signs of the disease had a 12 per cent greater risk than people with no history of the condition.
They suggested the inflammation caused by NAFLD may travel to the bowel, damaging cell DNA and leading to the formation of cancer cells.
Nearly five million adults aged 20 to 49 took part in the study.
Men living with NAFLD were also found to be 17 per cent more likely than women to be to get bowel cancer
The researchers suggested this is because men are more likely to smoke and be obese – risk factors for liver disease.
They wrote: “Our findings revealed a strong link between NAFLD and early-onset colorectal [bowel] cancer in young adults, suggesting the importance of implementing effective preventative strategies, particularly in populations with a growing burden of metabolic dysfunction.”
While the team from South Korea said more research is needed, they recommended early bowel cancer screening for people with NAFLD.
What causes NAFLD?
There are a number of factors that can cause a build-up of fat in the liver.
Being overweight or obese, especially with excess belly fat, is a major risk factor, as it increases the amount of fat in the liver.
High blood sugar levels and insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes are strong risk factors for NAFLD – when cells don’t respond properly to insulin, it can lead to increased fat production and accumulation in the liver.
Elevated cholesterol, especially triglycerides, in the blood can also contribute to fat buildup in the liver.
Other contributing factors include a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats, a sedentary lifestyle, and having sleep apnoea.
What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
- Gripping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
- Feeling like you need to strain – like doing a number two – but after you’ve been to the loo
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Bowel cancer screening in the UK
Bowel cancer screening through the NHS is available to individuals aged 50 to 74 who are registered with a GP in England.
The screening involves a home test kit (FIT kit) that’s sent to the individual every two years.
It looks for blood in a sample of your poo – a sign of bowel cancer.
If you are 75 or older, you can still participate by requesting a home test kit by calling the Bowel Cancer Screening helpline 0800 707 6060.
While the NHS only recently lowered the screening age to 50 in England and Wales, some individuals and organisations are pushing for even earlier screening, with some suggesting 30 as a potential lower limit.
Bowel cancer rates are rising among people under 50 in the UK, particularly in England.
While the exact reasons are still being investigated, experts point to factors like poor diet, obesity, and potentially even childhood toxin exposure.
A study published in the Lancet Oncology reported that England saw one of the steepest increases in bowel cancer rates among young adults compared to other countries.