Bowel Cancer – Information on Bowel Cancer

Executive Summary about Bowel Cancer Symptoms by Corwin Brown

Bowel cancer may also be called rectal, colorectal or colon cancer. The bowel cancer statistics on these pages are designed for use by health professionals. If you are looking for information because you or someone you know has been affected by bowel cancer, then the Cancer Help UK pages on bowel cancer may be more useful and relevant.

Food passes through your small bowel (the longer, thinner part of your bowel) where nutrients are absorbed. Food waste then travels through your colon (large bowel) where it becomes more solid faces. Your colon has three sections – the ascending, transverse and descending colon. It includes the small bowel, colon and rectum. Cancer of the bowel is also known as colorectal cancer.

Bowel cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the bowel. Usually, large bowel cancers develop from small, non-cancerous (benign) growths of tissue called polyps that can extend from the lining of the bowel wall. The digested food then moves into the large bowel, and water is absorbed by the colon. This part is called the transverse colon. Although the exact cause of bowel cancer isn’t understood, it’s known genetics can play a part.

Bowel Cancer – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care

Executive Summary about Bowel Cancer Symptoms by Steve Batchelor

Bowel cancer is also known by many as colorectal cancer. Over 80% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 60 years old. Research suggests that diet may be a factor; those with a diet high in animal fat and protein and low in fibre have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. People with a history of bowel cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease but only 5-10% of sufferers have family members with the same illness.

There are three tests that may be conducted by hospital specialists to diagnose the cancer;

Barium enema which is a special x-ray of the large bowel where a mixture of barium and air is passed through the back passage into the bowel, the doctor can then watch the passage of the barium through the bowel on the x-ray screen and any abnormal areas can be seen.

Colonoscopies are done when the doctor needs to see the whole length of the large bowel, the bowel must be empty and a colonoscope is passed into the bowel. Treatment depends on the stage and position of the cancer. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the bowel wall can usually be completely cured with surgery. If the cancer has spread through the muscle of the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes there is a chance the cancer may return so chemotherapy is often done along with the surgery. People with rectal cancer may also be given radiotherapy before or after surgery.

You may want to check out my other guide on ovarian cancer symptoms

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