Bowel cancer recurrence
What is bowel cancer recurrence and are there any steps you can take to lower the risk of bowel cancer coming back?
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When someone has already had bowel cancer and is diagnosed with it again, this can be referred to as recurrent bowel cancer. Unfortunately, when you have cancer there is always a chance it will return.
When the cancer recurs close to the original site, this is known as a local recurrence, but when cancer then develops in another part of the body this is called advanced or secondary cancer.
Why does bowel cancer come back?
Treatment aims to remove or destroy all cancer cells in the body, but unfortunately, it’s not always successful. Occasionally, microscopic cancer cells are either left behind in the bowel or spread to other body parts. This can allow the cancer to come back.
Other times, even though there are no microscopic cancer cells left behind, bowel cancer patients still re-develop cancer at a later date. We don’t know for sure why this happens, but it may be due to the fact they have still some of the risk factors for bowel cancer.
How to prevent bowel cancer from recurring
While we don’t know for sure how to stop bowel cancer recurring, some research has shown that eating a healthy diet, keeping physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight might help to reduce the risk of bowel cancer coming back after treatment. While more research is needed, it is likely that making diet and daily habit changes will help.
> Check out our guidance for more information on preventing bowel cancer
What are the survival rates for bowel cancer?
Survival rates may vary by factor such as age and gender. More information is available our latest bowel cancer statistics.
Help us fund our pioneering research
We fund pioneering research studies to help progress our understanding of bowel cancer and what we can do to help prevent it. By donating what you can, we can continue to fund further research and find ways of beating this cancer.
Healthy recipes to lower your cancer risk
Keeping an eye on what you eat is a key way that may help to reduce your risk of a bowel cancer recurrence. To help you eat well, we have a wide range of healthy recipes for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner or dessert ideas, we’ve got you covered.
Alternatively, we also have a range of cookbooks available for you to download or order. All our cookbooks are free and are there to make home-cooked meals an easier task.
FAQs about bowel cancer recurrence
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When is bowel cancer most likely to recur?
If bowel cancer recurrence happens it usually comes back within 3 years of diagnosis. People who have survived bowel cancer have a higher risk of getting a further bowel cancer diagnosis.
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Can recurrent bowel cancer be cured?
If it’s detected early enough, treatment can sometimes cure bowel cancer and help stop it from coming back. Unfortunately, a complete cure is not always possible and there’s a risk that it could come back again.
If the cancer is at an advanced stage, and can’t be removed completely by surgery, a cure is very unlikely.
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How effective are preventative measures against recurrent bowel cancer?
The risk of getting another diagnosis of bowel cancer is different for everyone, and while we can’t say for sure whether someone will experience a bowel cancer reccurrence, there are positive changes people can make to help lower their risk.
For example, trying to achieve and stay a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat, and trying to get a bit more active every day are all proven ways to lower cancer risk. It’s also best not to drink alcohol and to avoid tobacco products.