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Bowel cancer begins in the bowel or the intestine. Cancer of the small bowel is rare, and most often, bowel cancer usually refers to cancer in the large intestine (or large bowel). Depending on where cancer originates, it can be colon or rectal cancer. It is one of the most common cancers in the UK and is usually occurs in people over 60. Your risk for bowel cancer also increases if you have a family history of the disease, history of smoking or consume excessive red meat. Bowel cancer life expectancy or 5-year survival rate is 70%. Unlike most other cancer, we know how bowel cancer advances. The condition usually begins with the growth of the inner lining of the colon or rectum called polyps. All polyps do not become cancerous, but some do turn malignant.
The most symptoms of bowel cancer include:
In a few cases, the individual might be completely asymptomatic. However, in advanced stage 4 bladder cancer cases, it can lead to obstruction, which can be an emergency. It is normal for people to find it embarrassing to talk about any of the above-mentioned symptoms with their family or friends. If you have similar symptoms and need help, consult your doctor immediately.
Due to the risk of developing the condition, it is recommended that all individuals over 50 years should get screened for bowel cancer regularly. However, when people delay screening, the condition is usually diagnosed in the advanced stages, reducing the available bowel cancer treatment options.
Screening for bowel cancer includes blood and faecal occult blood test. A positive stool test indicates that further testing needs to be done and is not conclusive. These tests include:
The treatment for bowel cancer depends upon the size, location and stage of the tumour and whether it is recurrent or not. Based on these factors, the most common bowel cancer treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Bowel cancers diagnosed and treated early have a higher success rate of treatment.
During bowel cancer surgery, the cancerous portion of the bowel is removed completely. The doctor will determine if the colon needs to be removed during this surgery. Sometimes, radiotherapy may be performed before surgery in advanced or stage 3 and stage 4 bowel cancer. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiotherapy in advanced bowel cancers.
Bowel cancer is treatable cancer. If you are unsure about your diagnosis, treatment plan options, have queries regarding chemotherapy and bowel cancer or are anxious about possible side effects of the treatment, feel free to ask your doctor or seek a second opinion.
Need a second opinion or need more information about bowel cancer? Contact us today to speak to expert oncologists.
Due to the risk of developing the condition, it is recommended that all individuals over 50 years should get screened for bowel cancer regularly. However, when people delay screening, the condition is usually diagnosed in the advanced stages, reducing the available bowel cancer treatment options.
Screening for bowel cancer includes blood and faecal occult blood test. A positive stool test indicates that further testing needs to be done and is not conclusive. These tests include:
The treatment for bowel cancer depends upon the size, location and stage of the tumour and whether it is recurrent or not. Based on these factors, the most common bowel cancer treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Bowel cancers diagnosed and treated early have a higher success rate of treatment.
During bowel cancer surgery, the cancerous portion of the bowel is removed completely. The doctor will determine if the colon needs to be removed during this surgery. Sometimes, radiotherapy may be performed before surgery in advanced or stage 3 and stage 4 bowel cancer. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiotherapy in advanced bowel cancers.