Around one in ten bowel cancer diagnoses in Ireland is now to someone under 50, and cases in that age group have almost doubled over the last 25 years. In the US, it’s now the leading cause of cancer death in men aged 20 to 49 and the second-leading cause in women the same age.
BowelScreen still starts at 57. Extending it to 50 was approved in April, but the Department of Health says the full rollout will take years.
Signs of good gut health include comfortable digestion; regular and easy bowel movements; minimal bloating; no excessive gas. A deviation from those might indicate all is not well.
In the meantime, a sudden change in your bowel habits that doesn’t settle, or any blood in your stool, is a reason to see your GP without delay, whatever your age.
