Bowel Cancer

Bowel Cancer

Bowel Cancer is the third commonest cancer in the UK, with 40,000 new cases each year. There has been a significant increase in cases over the last few years, particularly involving patients under the age of 50, but all ages can be affected. However, it can be very effectively treated, particularly when detected early. Even with more advanced disease, outcomes have improved significantly over the past 10 years. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

If you have a change in your bowel habit, bleeding from the back passage, or other bowel / abdominal symptoms that you are concerned about, please discuss with your doctor. The earlier it is diagnosed the better the prognosis, and a colonoscopy is the most commonly recommended investigation. There are some excellent online resources for patients with bowel cancer.

For more information:

bowelcanceruk.org.uk
gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/bowel-cancer
macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/bowel-cancer