Causes of bowel cancer

Who is more likely to get bowel cancer

It's not always known what causes bowel cancer, but it can be caused by genetic changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Having certain health conditions can also make you more likely to get bowel cancer.

You may be more likely to get bowel cancer if:

How to lower your risk of bowel cancer

You cannot always prevent bowel cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.

Do

  • eat a healthy diet including at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day

  • stay active and exercise regularly

  • lose weight if you're overweight

  • quit smoking

  • drink less alcohol

  • eat less red and processed meat

Information:

It's important to get any symptoms of bowel cancer checked by a GP.

Page last reviewed: 9 March 2023
Next review due: 9 March 2026