A doctor has urged Brits to include more of one type of food in their diet as bowel cancer rates rise. The disease has become the fourth most prevalent form of cancer in the UK, with cases in under-50s soaring by 50% in 30 years, according to The Royal Marsden.
Although Cancer Research UK flags only 5% of bowel cancer cases affecting under-50s, it is vital to recognise lifestyle factors contribute to this threat. The upsurge in diagnoses corresponds with sedentary habits, not getting enough exercise, and a diet heavy in processed and red meats. But one doctor has shared how not getting enough fibre could be one of the biggest risk factors.
With the issue generating substantial buzz online, health-conscious people are turning to TikTok to exchange high-fibre recipes and dietary switches.
One medical professional, Dr Joseph Salhab – who boasts two million followers online and specialises in stomach health – responded to the claims that the illness is on the rise, insisting: “This is absolutely true.”
He continued: “A low fibre diet might be one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in colon (bowel) cancer in young adults.
“As a gastroenterologist, I’m diagnosing this more than ever and the reason is because your gut bacteria will ferment that fibre and create that short chain fatty acids like butyrate which we know is protective against things like colon cancer.
“High-fibre foods usually come packed with minerals, vitamins and antioxidant, which we know is protective for the colon,” he further noted.
“Eat more fibre. Colon cancer is showing up in 20 and 30-year-olds. Not genetics. Not bad luck. Lack of fibre. Your gut can’t fight what it doesn’t have the tools for. Gen Z, Millennials – this isn’t just your parents’ problem anymore.”
The UK government recommends consuming 30g a day, as part of a healthy balanced diet. Most adults eat an average of 20g a day, according to the NHS, so it might be time to consider increasing your intake.
The health service suggests eating plenty of vegetables, pulses like beans or lentils, fresh or dried fruit, potatoes with the skins on, wholemeal or granary breads, and cereal such as whole-wheat biscuits like Weetabix.
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Not only can eating more fibre reduce your risk of bowel cancer, but also lower your risk of heart disease, a stroke, type 2 diabetes, and prevent constipation.
Symptoms of bowel cancer
According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- a lump in your tummy
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer
If you are concerned about any of these health issues raise, speak to your GP or visit the NHS website for more information.
Do you have a health related story? Get in touch at Lucy.Marshall@reachplc.com.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
