Bowel cancer
In Australia, about one person in 12 will develop cancer of the lower (large) bowel by the age of 85, which makes it one of the most common cancers. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia. About half of those affected may be cured with an operation. Others with more advanced cancer may require additional treatment — usually with chemotherapy, sometimes with radiotherapy.
As with most cancers, early detection greatly improves the chances of cure. Unfortunately, the early symptoms of bowel cancer often seem trivial and are therefore ignored.
Altered bowel habit is perhaps the most important sign. Most people are aware of their usual bowel habit. For many this will mean they open their bowels once a day, for others it might be twice a day and for some it may be only 2 or 3 times a week. All of these patterns can be perfectly normal. It is when there is a change to this predictable pattern that attention is needed.
There is no 'typical' change to be concerned about. Bowel actions might become more frequent or less frequent. They may seem looser (runny) or harder. The important thing is that they are different. Any change that continues for more than a day or 2, and can't be explained by a significant change in diet, should be reported to a doctor.
Another vitally important sign that should never be ignored is bleeding. If there is blood mixed with the bowel motions or noticed on the toilet paper, further investigation is needed.
Testing for bowel cancer
The usual investigation performed when problems with the large bowel are suspected is a test known as a colonoscopy. A long snake-like tube (colonoscope) containing a fibre-optic viewing system is passed through the anus. The doctor performing the test is able to see the inside surface of the bowel and take samples of any suspicious areas for further testing. The colonoscope is gently manoeuvred along the whole length of the large bowel, allowing a thorough examination.
There is little discomfort in having this test. Light sedation is usually given and most people find the test easy to tolerate.
Who is at risk of bowel cancer?
Most at risk of bowel cancer are those with a close relative with the disease, those with polyps (small growths that are usually harmless) of the bowel, and those with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. It is recommended that those with a high risk of cancer have regular checks so that if it does develop, cancer can be detected early and then treated.
Last Reviewed: 12 June 2009
- 1. Cancer Council Australia. Bowel cancer [updated 2009, Mar 16; accessed 2009, Jun 15]. Available from: http://www.cancer.org.au/Healthprofessionals/PositionStatements/bowelcancer.htm
