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Bowel (colorectal) cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumour that begins in the mucosa or inner lining of the colon or rectum. It often develops from a small benign growth called an adenoma (polyp). Polyps are usually benign but some can become malignant (cancerous).

Cancer of the large bowel (colon or rectum) is the second most common internal cancer in Australia.

Australia has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world. It becomes more common as people get older and mainly affects people over 50.
 
A small percentage of Australians are at higher risk of colorectal cancer because of their family history of cancer or genetic conditions. It is important for people at high risk to be identified so that cancer can be prevented or detected and treated early.
 
Early symptoms may include:
  • Changes in normal bowel pattern - using your bowels more or less often than is normal for you.
  • Bleeding from the bowel. You may notice small amounts of blood in the toilet, on toilet paper or dark red in the faeces.
  • Anemia (lack of iron in the blood) due to bleeding in the bowel. You may feel tired and weak.
  • Abdominal cramps or pain.
  • Bloating, weight loss, general feeling of being unwell.

If you notice any of these changes, you should see your doctor straight away.

Blood is especially important if it is occurs with any of the other symptoms or signs mentioned above. Bleeding may be due to simple conditions such as haemorrhoids (piles) or fissures (splits in the skin inside the anus), but it will need investigating by a doctor.

Many of these can be due to other medical conditions. Get them checked by your doctor straight away.
 
There is a good chance that colorectal cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, before it has spread.
 

Buy a bowel screening test kit from Cancer Council SA.

Other resources
 
Understanding Bowel Cancer - A guide for people with bowel cancer, families and friends (National Health and Medical Research Council)
After a diagnosis of bowel cancer - Fact sheet (Cancer Council Australia)
Early detection of bowel cancer - Fact sheet (Cancer Council Australia) 
Finding bowel cancer early (fact sheet) in other languages


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