The doctor notes other lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing it include: eating lots of processed meat and red meat, smoking, drinking alcohol to excess, and lack of exercise.
She said: “There is no way to prevent bowel cancer, but evidence has shown that you can take some steps to reduce your risk of developing it. While you cannot influence factors such as your family risk of bowel cancer or your age, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk.
“I’d recommend speaking to your doctor, as these following measures are not recommended for everyone and each of these carries its own risks and benefits. Stopping smoking and cutting back on alcohol is advised.“
From a nutritional perspective, studies have shown that incorporating fibre-rich foods can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, a subgroup of bowel cancer.”