New website helps spot bowel cancer risks

New research at the University of Plymouth has led to the creation of a new website to help families at high risk of bowel cancer spot the signs beforehand.

Family Web www.familyweb.org.uk, funded by local charity Bowel Cancer West and approved by the NHS, enables families to share vital information about their genetic diagnosis with other family members and health professionals. The website could help thousands of people, with 40,000 new cases of the disease diagnosed each year.

The website has information on topics including genetic testing and bowel screening, all in an accessible format to give users the best possible advice. It also advises users on how to talk about a sensitive subject with loved ones and includes information on how living a healthy lifestyle including small changes in what you eat and drink can reduce the chances of getting bowel cancer.

The website was designed by PhD student Selina Goodman.

Goodman said: “Family Web allows high-risk patients a secure platform to share information such as letters from the hospital or a family tree [demonstrating a history of Bowel related disease] by a sending a link via email to their relatives. Users of the website can show their doctor crucial information about their diagnosis by turning on their smartphone, tablet or laptop and looking at their account on the website.

“In its genetic form, bowel cancer can affect people at a younger age, so this website could help to identify links much more quickly – especially in people who might not think they’re susceptible to it. In some families, the risk of developing the disease can be as high as 80 per cent.”

Mark Coleman, Bowel Cancer West chairman and colorectal surgeon at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Since Angelina Jolie spoke publicly about her BRCA gene and the surgery she had to reduce her risk of breast cancer, many more people are aware that breast cancer can sometimes be passed down through families. The same problem exists in families with an increased risk of bowel cancer but this is not well known. Some people may be embarrassed talking about symptoms or worried about frightening their loved ones – if so, I urge them to explore Family Web. It’s so simple to use and, although I would encourage people to be more open, they don’t need to have that uncomfortable conversation with their loved ones if they don’t want to. Getting an early diagnosis can significantly increase your chance of survival.”