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What is Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is a type of cancer characterised by cancerous growth that begins in the large intestine or bowel, i.e. the colon and/or the rectum. It is also called colorectal/colon/rectal cancer,  depending on the location of the cancer.

Early-stage bowel cancer symptoms are often insidious and can be mistaken for other bowel conditions. However, treatment for bowel cancer will have higher rates of success (~80%) the earlier it is detected. Regular bowel cancer screening is recommended if you are 60 years of age or older. It is recommended that you consult a specialist if you have persistent bowel cancer symptoms or are at a higher risk for bowel cancer.

While the statistics show a slightly lower chance of bowel cancer in women than men in their lifetimes, it is quite common in both sexes. The symptoms or signs of bowel cancer do not vary greatly between men and women.

What are the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?

Keep in mind that the symptoms and signs of bowel cancer can be caused by several conditions, most of which are not critical. For example, if the blood in your stool is bright red instead of dark red or black, it is most likely caused by other conditions like anal fissures or haemorrhoids (piles).

1. Early-Stage Bowel Cancer Symptoms

In its early stages, the patient may not experience symptoms or signs of bowel cancer. In symptomatic early-stage bowel cancer, the reported symptoms include:

  • Most Common Bowel Cancer Symptoms
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhoea
    • Consistency of stool
    • Incomplete bowel emptying sensation
  • Less Common Bowel Cancer Symptoms
    • Dark red or black blood in stool
    • Pain in the abdomen (tummy)
    • Pain in the rectum
    • Unexplained fatigue and weight loss

2. Advanced-Stage Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Advanced-stage bowel cancer is generally symptomatic.

  • Most Common Bowel Cancer Symptoms
    • Unexpected, unexplained changes in bowel habits for weeks
    • Dark red or black blood in stool
    • Pain in the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by bloating and discomfort
  • Less Common Bowel Cancer Symptoms
    • Unexplained fatigue and weight loss
    • Rectal bleeding
    • Bowel obstructions – vomiting or not opening your bowels.

3. Symptoms of Bowel Cancer in a Woman vs a Man

The major difference between the symptoms of bowel cancer in a woman and a man is that several symptoms, like abdominal pain, tiredness, and bloating, can be attributed to the menstrual cycle. Thus, there are more possible underlying causes for these symptoms of bowel cancer in a woman. If the signs of bowel cancer are not in sync with your menstrual cycle, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Even though many symptoms could be caused by less critical conditions, it is important to rule out the presence of bowel cancer. If you have been experiencing persistent bowel cancer symptoms for weeks, or are at a higher risk for bowel cancer, it is recommended that you get tested for it at the earliest.

Bowel cancer is a common cancer variant. It ranks 4th in the incidence of cancer variants in the UK. It is vital to know that there is no need to feel embarrassed for seeking treatment on time. Early detection will greatly increase the chances of successful treatment.

It is recommended that you start regular bowel cancer screening at 60 years, irrespective of whether you are experiencing bowel cancer symptoms or not.

What Causes Bowel Cancer?

In most cases, it is difficult to pinpoint a definitive cause for bowel cancer. Its symptoms are common and can be mistaken for several other conditions. However, some known risk factors may put you at a higher risk for bowel cancer, including:

  • Age: 50 years or older
  • Family history: History of colorectal cancer in your close family members, especially at a young age, or an inherited disease called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
  • Polyps: History of precancerous growths called polyps
  • Breast or genital cancer in women: Personal history of breast, ovary or uterine cancer
  • Existing bowel conditions: Some examples are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • A sedentary lifestyle or obesity
  • Diet: High in processed foods, red meat etc, and low in fibre
  • Drinking and smoking: Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking

How is Bowel Cancer Diagnosed?

You will have an in-depth discussion with the doctor regarding your signs, symptoms, and medical history during your preliminary consultation, typically accompanied by a physical examination. This is usually followed by general blood work to assess your overall health and further investigation if required, like:

  • Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)Test: This test checks the presence of blood in stools in microscopic  quantities that are invisible to the naked eye
  • Colonoscopy: A colonoscope, a flexible tube attached with a camera on one end, is used to check the large bowel lining.
  • CT Colonography/Virtual Colonoscopy: CT scan imaging lets the doctor look at the colon and rectum without an internal examination.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscope is used to examine the rectum and the sigmoid colon, the lower one-third of the colon.

The results are used to diagnose and identify the stage of bowel cancer.

What are the Treatment Options for Bowel Cancer?

Case-specific details are taken into account before devising a treatment plan for colorectal cancer, including:

  • The site of the tumour
  • The staging group (1, 2, 3, or 4)
  • The individual’s personal choices and preferences
  • Their general health condition

1. Early-Stage Bowel Cancer Treatment:

The main treatment option for early-stage bowel cancer is surgery. The surgery aims to remove the tumour and affected lymph nodes as much as possible. Surgery can be laparoscopic (minimally invasive) or open. This may be supplemented with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy post-surgery to eliminate the cancer cells remaining in the body.

The common surgeries performed to remove bowel cancer tumours are:

  • Colectomy: Colectomy is a procedure to treat colon cancer where all or part of the colon is removed.
  • Rectal Resections: If the patient is diagnosed with rectal cancer, a rectal resection will be performed to remove the tumour.

2. Advanced-Stage Bowel Cancer Treatment

Advanced-stage bowel cancer indicates that the cancer cells have spread across the body to other organs and are more difficult to treat successfully. However, there are several options to control the spread of cancer, ease bowel cancer symptoms, and improve the quality of life of the patient. These include:

  • Surgery: While it may not be possible to remove all tumours through surgery, it can assist in the treatment alongside other systemic therapy treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
  • Systemic Therapy: Systemic therapy options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted medicines or immunotherapy.
  • Palliative Care: Palliative care aims to maintain the highest possible quality of life for the patient. In addition to physical treatment, palliative care also focuses on the mental, social, and emotional aspects of having advanced-stage bowel cancer.

Why choose the Leicester Bowel Clinic?

Book a consultation with us to get treatment for your condition..

At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders.

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Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. What are the early signs of bowel cancer?

When symptomatic, the most common symptom of early-stage bowel cancer is an unexpected change in bowel habits. Other symptoms, like pain in the abdomen and/or rectum and blood in the stool, may also be present. Annual bowel cancer screening is recommended if you are over the age of 60. 

02. Is bowel cancer curable?

The prognosis or outlook, if you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, is dependent on a variety of factors, including the stage of cancer, the patient’s health, and their preferences. It is important to consult a doctor to assess the condition and discuss the best treatment options for you.

03. How can I test for bowel cancer at home?

At-home test kits called Faecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) are available. You can collect a stool sample using this kit and send it to a lab to check for traces of blood in your stool. It is important to note that this is only one step in the process of bowel cancer diagnosis and cannot be used in isolation to confirm the diagnosis.

04. What are the symptoms of bowel cancer in a woman?

The symptoms of bowel cancer are similar in men and women. The only difference is that bowel cancer symptoms may appear to be menstruation symptoms in women. You should consult a doctor if your symptoms are not aligned with your menstrual cycle. In any case, it is always best to consult a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns instead of diagnosing yourself.

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