Bowel cancer kills 500 men each year

BOWEL cancer, which kills 500 men a year in this country, is at an all-time high. However, the majority of men do not understand either the risk factors or the symptoms of this common disease.

At yesterday's launch of Men's Cancer Action Week, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) said there were 1,056 new cases of bowel cancer and 493 deaths from bowel cancer in males in 2000.

But the mortality rate is decreasing year on year because of advances in treatment, according to ICS.

"Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in Ireland but it carries a good prognosis if caught in time," said Tallaght Hospital consultant gastroenterologist Colm Ó Móráin, professor of medicine at TCD.

Irish men also have the second highest rate of bowel cancer in Europe, according to a report on the state of men's health across 17 European countries.

Results from a national survey of 1,200 men in Ireland reveals that 29% of men do not know any of the signs or symptoms of bowel cancer. Ten per cent of men believe there are no warning signs or symptoms and over 50% do not know any of the risk factors.

Men are advised to consult their GP for advice on screening, if they have a family history of bowel cancer or polyps. Prof Ó Móráin said screening can work as a preventative as well as an early detection tool. Internationally established screening programmes have shown pick-up rates of up to 60%.

Men's Cancer Action Week aims to raise awareness of common cancers prostate, bowel, lung, testicular and skin among men. These cancers affect up to 6,100 men each year.

Information: Irish Cancer Society freefone helpline 1800 200 700 and www.cancer.ie