What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is a cancer that starts in the bowel. The bowel is part of your body that helps you digest food and turn it into poo. It is inside your tummy.
Sometimes, a small lump can start to grow in the bowel. This lump can make you feel unwell, or it can cause changes when you go to the toilet. Finding bowel cancer early can make it easier to treat.
Bowel cancer can happen to anyone, but it is more common as people get older.
Cancer usually develops because of a combination of factors over time.
Factors that can play a role include
• Age
•Family history or genetics
•Hormones
•Smoking
•Alcohol
•Overweight and obesity
•Diet and physical activity over many years
•Certain medical conditions or treatments
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop cancer.This information is shared to support awareness, not to place blame.
Trusted national information
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NHS
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Cancer Research UK
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Bowel Cancer UK
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Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: January 2026 Sources: NHS, Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Macmillan Cancer Support
Know your normal
Everyone’s bowel habits are different. Noticing changes that are new or ongoing is important.
Symptoms & screening
For symptoms, screening and when to get advice, see NHS guidance:
NHS: Bowel cancer information