Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. It affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum. Early detection is crucial as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.                                   

Types of Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is primarily classified based on its location:                                 

• Colon cancer: 
  
  • Originates in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine)
• Rectal cancer:
  
  • Originates in the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).

Most cases of bowel cancer begin as small, benign (non-cancerous) clumps of cells called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain.
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Unexplained weight loss

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions such as infections, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. However, anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their doctor to rule out cancer as a cause.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing bowel cancer include:

• Age: 
  
  • Most people diagnosed with bowel cancer are older than 50.
• Diet: 
  
  • A diet high in red meats and processed meats can increase your risk.
• Lifestyle: 
  
  • Physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use may increase your risk.
• Genetics: 
  
  • A family history of bowel cancer and inherited syndromes can increase your risk
• Medical Conditions 
  
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk.
• Biopsy 
  
  • Removing a small sample of tissue for testing, sometimes done during surgery to remove the tumor.

Prevention & Early Detection

• Screening:
  
  • Regular screening is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of bowel cancer. In the UK, the NHS offers bowel cancer screening to all men and women aged 60 to 74. They are invited to participate in the screening process every two years.
• Diet & Lifestyle
  
  • Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk.

Treatment Options

Treatment for bowel cancer depends on the location, size, and spread of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health:

• Surgery:
  
  • Regular screening is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of bowel cancer. In the UK, the NHS offers bowel cancer screening to all men and women aged 60 to 74. They are invited to participate in the screening process every two years.
• Chemotherapy
  • The main treatment for localized colon cancer and may involve removing the affected part of the colon.
• Radiation Therapy:
  • Commonly used before or after surgery for rectal cancer to destroy cancerous cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
• Targeted Therapies
  
  • Drugs or other substances that specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Early detection through regular screening and attention to changes in one’s body is key to effectively managing and treating bowel cancer. The support organisations in the UK offer valuable resources for anyone seeking help in managing this disease.

 Cancer Portal

Support & Resources

Bowel Cancer Screening

Regular NHS bowel cancer screening reduces the risk of dying from bowel cancer - the fourth most common type of cancer. Screening can help prevent bowel cancer or find it at an early stage when it is easier to treat. Screening is offered to everyone aged between 60 to 74 years of age.

Your GP may ask you to complete a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). It detects traces of human blood in stool samples. The test is simple to use and can be done at home. It is now being used as the primary test in the NHS Cancer Screening Programme.