Oxford’s Occtopus, raises alarm over bowel cancer rise

Occtopus, the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust, is urging people of all ages to be aware of symptoms during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April. The call follows a rise in diagnoses among younger adults.

New data from the most recent bowel cancer audit shows that 38,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in the UK.

While 37 per cent of cases are in people aged 60 to 74, the proportion diagnosed under the age of 50 increased from 6.4 per cent in 2022 to 8 per cent in 2023. This means more than 3,000 people under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year.

Felicity post surgery (Image: Occtopus)

Professor Sir Neil Mortensen, chair of Occtopus, said: “We are seeing an increasing number of younger people in our bowel cancer clinics, with many initially ignoring their symptoms as there is a common misconception that bowel cancer mostly affects older people.

“Bowel cancer is one of the best cancers to treat, and outcomes are mostly positive if it is caught early enough. The key message this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is simple: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.

“Early diagnosis saves lives, and no one is too young to have bowel cancer.”

Occtopus is reminding the public to be alert to symptoms, regardless of age, as the disease is still most commonly associated with older adults.

Nikki (Image: Occtopus)

Symptoms can include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or anaemia, and extreme fatigue. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical advice and request a colonoscopy from their GP.

Though the reasons behind the rise in younger cases are still under investigation, experts believe a mix of lifestyle, dietary, environmental, and possibly genetic factors may be contributing. The NHS currently offers bowel cancer screening from age 50, meaning younger adults are not routinely screened and often receive a diagnosis at a more advanced stage.

Nikki post surgery (Image: Occtopus)

Occtopus was founded in 2003 by consultants and former patients of Oxford University Hospitals.

The charity funds research and equipment for treating colorectal diseases and supports the development of new therapies for colorectal cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s disease. It also plays a role in shaping treatment approaches across the NHS and supports national and international research to improve patient care and outcomes.

Professor Mortensen said: “We are seeing an increasing number of younger people in our bowel cancer clinics, with many initially ignoring their symptoms as there is a common misconception that bowel cancer mostly affects older people.”