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Bowel Cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United Kingdom, is on the rise according to new statistics. The Cancer Research UK published a report stating that the number of new cases of patients suffering from bowel cancer has increased over a quarter in the past 35 years particularly in men. The rate for women has also increased, but at a dramatically slower rate. These alarming new numbers stress the importance of finding ways in helping men adapt better lifestyles in order to prevent the development of the cancer.

The report looked at data previously compiled and found that from 1975 to 1977, the rate of bowel cancer in men was 45 cases per 100,000 men. This number jumped 29 percent in 2008 to 2010, with the new rate recorded to be 58 cases per 100,000 men. The increase in bowel cancer cases for women was not as drastic. From 1975 to 1977, there were 35 cases per 100,000 women and in 2008 to 2010, the number only jumped to 37, indicating less than a six percent increase. The researchers noted the discrepancies between the genders and concluded that factors such as obesity and diets with more red and processed meats might play huge roles in the development of bowel cancer.

The researchers also noted that the largest increase in cases of bowel cancer occurred in older patients who were in their 60s and 70s. This age group contributed roughly 23,000 new cases per year. These numbers will help the new campaign under the Bobby Moore Fund in spreading awareness and educating men and women about their risks for bowel cancers. Even though the survival rates from this cancer are rising, the number of cases for any disease should ideally decline over the years.

"It's this research that's led to better drugs to treat the disease, improved surgical techniques, the use of more radiotherapy and the introduction of bowel screening to spot the disease earlier, when it is most effectively treated," said Professor Matthew Seymour from the University of Leeds. Seymour is also the director of the National Cancer Research Network.

Aside from these statistics, the researchers also noted that roughly 42,000 cases of bowel cancer is reported per year, with 18,500 in women and 23,000 in men. Roughly three-fourths of the cases occur in people older than 65-years-old. Other contributing factors to these cases are smoking rates, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles.

These new numbers continue to stress the importance of educating people and informing them on ways to lower their risks for bowel cancer.