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Bowel Cancer

What is Bowel Cancer?

The bowel is part of the digestive system and is divided into the small bowel and large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon, rectum and anus. The term bowel cancer is normally used to talk about:

  • colon cancer

  • rectal cancer.

The term bowel cancer can also be used when talking about other cancers, including:

  • anal cancer

  • small bowel cancer

  • anorectal melanoma cancer.

What is colorectal cancer?
 

The term colorectal cancer can also be used when talking about colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Some people may start by seeing their GP because they have symptoms.
 

Main symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

  • changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you

  • needing to poo more or less often than usual for you

  • blood in your poo, which may look red or black

  • bleeding from your bottom

  • often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet

  • tummy pain

  • a lump in your tummy

  • bloating

  • losing weight without trying

  • feeling very tired for no reason

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Find out more about symptoms for different types of bowel cancer:
• Colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer) symptoms
• Anal cancer symptoms
• Small bowel cancer symptoms
• Anorectal melanoma.

If you have any symptoms or notice anything that is unusual for you, you should see your GP straight away.

Causes of bowel cancer

Doctors do not know the exact causes of bowel cancer. But there are risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it.

Different risk factors may increase the chance of being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Find out more about the causes and risk factors for different types of bowel cancer:

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Diagnosis of Bowel Cancer

If you have symptoms, you will usually begin by seeing your GP, who will examine you. If they think that your symptoms could be caused by cancer, they will refer you to a specialist doctor.

The tests you are given will depend on the type of bowel cancer you may have. Tests may include:

  • Rectal examination

  • Blood test

  • Colonoscopy

  • Virtual colonoscopy

  • Sigmoidoscopy

  • Biopsy

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There are other ways you may be diagnosed:

  • Having NHS Bowel Screening. Bowel cancer screening is a way of finding bowel cancer at an early stage before it causes symptoms. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may need to have bowel screening at an earlier age.

  • Going to hospital with a problem, such as bowel obstruction. This is when part of the bowel becomes blocked. It may cause symptoms such as tummy pain, nausea and vomiting, and constipation.

Treatment for Bowel Cancer

A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT) for bowel cancer.

Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about things to consider when making treatment decisions.

The treatment you have will depend on which type of bowel cancer you have. It will also depend on your general health and preferences.

After Bowel Cancer Treatment

Follow Up

After your treatment has finished, you will have regular check-ups, tests and scans. These appointments are a good opportunity to talk to your doctor about any worries or problems you have.

We have more information about follow-up care after treatment.

You may get anxious between appointments. This is natural. It may help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation.

Macmillan is also here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:

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