Large bowel cancer

A range of tests may be performed to analyse symptoms, to diagnose bowel cancer, and the disease stage. Following a physical examination which may include an assessment of any abdominal swelling, further tests may include:^1,2 

• Blood tests
  
  •  The aim of testing your blood is. to understand if there any signs of blood loss in your stools, and also to test a low red blood cell count, which is common in people with bowel cancer
• Colonoscopy
  • This is the primary test using to check for bowel cancer
  • This procedure is usually done under sedation in a hospital day surgery clinic
  • During a colonoscopy your doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera on the end through your anus and into your colon
  • A colonoscopy requires complete emptying of the bowel and specific preparation (your doctor will let you know how to do this)
• Biopsy
  • Involves the removal of a piece of tissue from the bowel wall, that is then analysed for cancer
  • A biopsy is usually taken during a colonoscopy
• Imaging scans
  • X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan

The treatment options recommended for large bowel cancer will usually depend upon a few different factors including general health, age, type, and the disease stage.^1,2

• Radiation therapy 
  • Radiation therapy is generally in combination with surgery either before surgery to reduce the size of the cancer needed to be removed, or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells
  • Radiation therapy is also sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy 
  • Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread
  • Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with radiation therapy and before and/or after surgery
• Surgery
  • The type of surgery you will have will depend on where in the bowel the cancer is, as well as your preferences
  • Surgery may be suggested for either early or advanced bowel cancer
  • Surgery is done under general anaesthetic and the recovery time will vary depending on the type of surgery you need
  • Your doctor is the best person talk to about the specific surgery required
• Targeted therapy
  • Targeted therapy refers to treatment with drugs that are designed to specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells
  • These types of drugs affect the way that cancer cells grow, divide, repair themselves or interact with other cells
• Immunotherapy
  • Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that is intended to help your own immune system fight cancer; it is a type of targeted therapy
  • There are different types of immunotherapy for cancer that work in different ways

Side effects of cancer treatment

All cancer treatments may have side effects. The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals. You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects which you may experience with any treatment recommended for you.

Recommendations to help you stay well during treatment^1,3,4

• Changes to digestion, as well as bowel habits during treatment can be common
• Eating healthy food can help with both treatment and managing side effects
• Eating small but frequent meals instead of three big meals 
• A dietitian may help to give you advice on the types of foods to include or remove from your diet
• Drink lots of water
• Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment
• Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine
• It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to
• Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours
• Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them

A cancer diagnosis can be life changing. You may experience a wave of emotions. It’s natural to feel disbelief, anxiety, sadness, anger and loneliness.⁴ Our care team aim to know your name and to get to know who you are as a person. Your nursing team and oncology team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We are here to guide you and to help get the support you need which may include a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.

If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local centre team. View a list of our centres here.

Further bowel cancer information, resources, and support services are available to help assist you during your cancer journey. 

These may include: