Small bowel cancer

Small bowel cancer, also known as small intestine cancer. It is a rare type of cancer that usually starts with uncontrolled growth and multiplication of abnormal cells in the small intestine. Over time, these abnormal cells can develop into a larger mass called a tumour.¹ 

The small bowel (also known as the small intestine), is part of the body’s digestive system. It is a long tube (about 5 metres long) that carries digested food between your stomach and your large intestine (colon).^1,2

• Breaking down food (digestion) from the stomach
  
• Allows proteins, fatty acids, sugars, vitamins and minerals to pass from food into bloodstream
• Transfers waste into the large bowel.

A range of tests may be performed to analyse symptoms, to diagnose small bowel cancer. Following a physical examination, further tests may include:¹

• Blood tests
  • Are performed with the aim to measure white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, plus a liver function test may be undertaken to measure chemicals in your liver. Sometimes a chromogranin A (CgA) blood test is performed as a way to help diagnose a carcinoid or other neuroendocrine tumour
• Endoscopy
  • This where a tube with a camera on the end is used to look down your throat and into your stomach
  • You will be sedated during an endoscopy
• Capsule endoscopy
  • This is where you swallow as small capsule
  • Within the capsule is a very small camera that will take images of your digestive system
  • The camera will be passed in your stools after roughly 24 hours
• Imaging scans
  • These may include a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan or a Barium X-ray.
• Biopsy
  • If your doctor sees anything unusual or abnormal, they may remove a small sample for closer examination

The treatment options recommended for small bowel cancer will usually depend upon a few different factors including: the type of small bowel cancer you have, your general health, age and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will also discuss with you your preferences for treatment.¹

Your doctors will discuss the treatment options with you. They may include:¹

• Surgery
  
  • Surgery is usually used to treat early-stage small bowel cancer
  • Your doctor will discuss with you the type of surgery you will have, depending on the location and stage of the tumour
• 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 other cancer treatments
• Radiation therapy
  • Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to treat cancer and can be used at all stages of small bowel cancer
• Immunotherapy
  • Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that is intended to help your own immune system fight cancer
  • 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.¹

Our care team aims 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: