In Australia, Bowel cancer is the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer. Affecting both men and women, it is estimated that 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed by the time they are 85. Fortunately, early detection can help prevent bowel cancer in 90% of cases. Let’s take a look at 3 things you should take a closer look at this week for your bowel health.
Screen Test
If you are over 50, regular screening every 2 years is important as bowel cancer can occur without obvious symptoms or any family history. With early detection, 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated. In Australia, adults between 50 to 74 are eligible for a free test from the National Bowel Cancer Screening program every two years. Visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website for more information.
Assess your Plate
While the exact cause of most bowel cancers are unknown, our diet can increase the risk of polyps developing and progressing into cancer over time. Check your meals for these key areas-
Fibre: Aim for a diet rich in natural fibre from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fibre helps move waste through the digestive system, limiting the exposure of harmful chemicals in the bowel.
Red Meat: Reduce consumption of red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and avoid processed consumption of processed meats like bacon, sausages, and ham.
Fit Check
Staying physically active can help lower the risk of developing bowel cancer by promoting a healthy weight and boosting your overall wellbeing. Conversely, being overweight or obese and carrying can increase your risk of bowel cancer. It is estimated that 11 out of 100 bowel cancers (11%) in the UK are linked to individuals with an unhealthy body weight.
The Right Tract
There’s growing evidence that a healthy gut does more than just help with digestion; it could also play an important role in protecting against bowel (colorectal) cancer.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, many of which help break down fibre from the foods you eat. In the process, they produce helpful compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in particular, butyrate and propionate. These aren’t just by-products; they are beneficial compounds that support your immune system, help your body absorb nutrients more efficiently, and may even help prevent cancer.
A 2025 study from Stanford Medicine found that these SCFAs can influence how your genes behave by modifying proteins called histones, which help organise and control your DNA. This process can effectively help to switch off cancer-promoting genes and turn on those that protect your cells, helping slow the growth of abnormal cells and encouraging damaged ones to self-destruct.
Butyrate is particularly powerful. It’s the main energy source for healthy colon cells and helps keep inflammation in check. In cancerous cells, butyrate tends to accumulate instead of being used for energy. This build-up triggers changes in gene activity that encourage the cancer cells to die—a phenomenon researchers call the "butyrate paradox."
Build a Gut That’s Working for You
One of the best ways to support your gut microbiome is by regularly feeding it the right nutrients, such as fibre-rich foods and postbiotics. That’s where P3 Gut Builder comes in. This powerful, triple-action Postbiotic Tonic is packed with ready-made beneficial metabolites, including SCFAs, that your gut can use right away—no fermentation delay required.
Taken daily, P3 Gut Builder helps fast-track the benefits directly to your digestive system, promoting a diverse, balanced microbiome. A healthier gut means stronger digestion, better nutrient absorption, and potentially even protection against more serious health concerns, like bowel cancer.
It’s a simple, delicious way to invest in your long-term gut health and overall wellbeing, starting from the inside out.
Short-chain fatty acid metabolites propionate and butyrate are unique epigenetic regulatory elements linking diet, metabolism and gene expression, Michael Nshanian, Joshua J. Gruber, Benjamin S. Geller, Faye Chleilat, Samuel M. Lancaster, Shannon M. White, Ludmila Alexandrova, Jeannie M. Camarillo, Neil L. Kelleher, Yingming Zhao & Michael P. Snyder, January 2025