Bowel Cancer


before surgery	 and in some cases giving you a sugary drinktwo hours before the operation to give you energy. During and after the operation	 the anaesthetist controls the amount of IV fluid you need very carefully	 and after the operation you will be given painkillers that allow you to get up and out of bed by the next day. Most people will be able to eat a light diet the day after their operation. To reduce the risk ofblood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) 	 you may be given special compression stockings that help prevent blood clots	 or a regular injection with a blood-thinning medication calledheparin until you are fully mobile. A nurse or physiotherapist will help you get out of bed and regain your strength so you can go home within a few days. With the enhanced recovery programme	 most people are well enough to go home within a week of their operation. The timing depends on when you and the doctors and nurses looking after you agree you are well enough to go home. You will be asked to return to hospital a few weeks after your treatment has finished so tests can be carried out to check for any remaining signs of cancer. You may also need routine check-ups for the next few years to look out for signs of the cancer recurring. Diet after bowel surgery If you have had part of your colon removed	 it is likely your stools (faeces) will be looserone of the functions of the colon is to absorb water from stools. This may mean you need to go to the toilet more often to pass loose stools. Inform your care team if this becomes a problem	as medication is available to help control it. You may find some foods upset your bowels	 particularly during the first few months after your operation. Different foods can upset different people. Food and drink known to cause problems include: fruit and vegetables that are high in fibre	 such as beans	 cabbages	 apples and bananas fizzy drinks	 such as cola and beer You may find it useful to keep a food diary to record the effects of different foods on your bowel. Contact your care team if you find you are having continual problems with your bowels as a result of your diet	 or you are finding it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. You may need to be referred to a dietitian for further advice. Read more about diet after treatment. Living with a stoma If you need a temporary or permanent stoma with an external bag or pouch	 you may feel worried about how you look and how others will react to you. Information and advice about living with a stoma including stoma care	 stoma products and stoma-friendly dietsis available on the ileostomy and colostomy topics. For thosewho want further information about living with a stoma	 there are patient support groupsthat provide support for people who may have had	 or are due to have a stoma. You canget moredetailsfrom your stoma care nurse	 or visit support groups online for further information. The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group organisation provide a unique visiting service for anyone wishing to speak with someone who has been through similar surgery. Sex and bowel cancer Having cancer andreceiving treatment may affect how you feel about relationships and sex. Although most people are able to enjoy a normal sex life after bowel cancer treatment	 you may feel self-conscious or uncomfortableif you havea stoma. Talking about how you feel with your partner may help you both support each other. Or you may feelyoud like to talk to someone else about your feelings. Your doctor or nurse will be able to help. Find more information on body image and intimate relations Financial concerns A diagnosis of cancer can cause money problems because you are unable to work	 or someone you are close to has to stop working to look after you. There is financial support available for carers and yourself if you have to stay off work for a while or stop work because of your illness. Visit Macmillan for information on your finances . The following organisations could also offer helpor information: GOV.UK: benefits Money Advice Service Dealing with dying If you are told there is nothing more that can be done to treat your bowel cancer	 your GP will still provide you with support and pain relief. This is called palliative care. Support is also available for your family and friends. Find out more about end of life care Visit the following organisations for further support: Macmillan Cancer Support:Looking after someone with cancer Macmillan Cancer Support:End of life Marie Curie Cancer Care Preventing bowel cancer There are some things that increase your risk of bowel cancer that you cant change	 such as your family history or your age. However	 there are several waysyou canlower your chances of developing the condition. Diet It may help prevent bowel cancer if you eat: less cured and processed meat	 such as bacon	 sausages and ham less red meat and more fish more fibre from cereals	 beans	 fruit and vegetables The Department of Health advises people who eat more than 90g (cooked weight) of red and processed meat a day to cut down to 70g to help reduce their bowel cancer risk. Read more about red meat and bowel cancer risk and eating good food and a healthy diet Exercise Regular exercise can lower the risk of developing bowel and other cancers. Its recommended adults exercise for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity	 such as cycling or fast walking	 every week. Read more about keeping active Healthy weight Being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing bowel cancer	 so you should try to maintain a healthy weight if you want to lower your risk. You can find out if you are a healthy weightby usingthe BMI chart Changes to your diet and an increase in yourphysical activity will help keep your weight under control. Readmore about losing weight Stop smoking If you smoke	 stopping can reduce your risk of developing bowel and other cancers. Quit Your Way Scotland is an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland. To speak with an advisor	 phone 0800 84 84 84from8am to 10pm	 every day. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles. Your GP or pharmacist can alsoprovide help	 support and advice if you want to give up smoking. Read more about stopping smoking Cut down on alcohol Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of developing bowel cancer	 so you may be able to reduce your risk by cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink. If you drink most weeks	 to reduce your risk of harming your health: men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week spread your drinking over 3 days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a week Read more about alcohol units and get tips on cutting down Bowel cancer screening Although screening cannot stop you getting bowel cancer	 it can allow the condition to be detected at an earlier stage	 when it is much easier to treat. As well as making lifestyle changes and keeping an eye out for possible symptoms of bowel cancer 	 taking part in bowel cancer screening when it is offered can help reduce your chances of dying from the condition. Bowel screening is offered to men and women aged 50 to 74 across Scotland. If youre 75 or over	 you can still take a bowel screening test every 2 years. However	 youll need to request a new test kit each time. Read more about bowel cancer screening