Bowel Cancer

Most cases of bowel cancer begin as small, benign (pre-cancerous) growths called polyps in your intestine. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous.

In the early stages of bowel cancer, many people don’t have any symptoms. When you do get symptoms, they’re likely to vary, depending on the size and location of the cancer. 

Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

• rectal bleeding (bleeding from your bottom)

• blood in your poo

• a persistent and unexplained change in your bowel habits

• a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely

• unexplained weight loss

• extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• abdominal pain (tummy ache)

• stomach cramps

• a lump in your tummy

The causes of bowel cancer are not fully understood, but certain things can increase your risk of developing the disease, including: 

• a family history of bowel cancer

• age – most people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 50

• inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

• a personal history of previous bowel cancer or polyps

• a low-fibre, high-fat diet

• obesity

• diabetes

• smoking

• drinking excessive alcohol

At your initial consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant gastroenterologist, a doctor with specialist training in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting your digestive system. 

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination. 

Your consultant may order some tests to confirm your diagnosis and rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. These may include stool tests, imaging scans such as a CT or MRI, a colonoscopy or biopsy. 

Screening for bowel cancer

Because bowel cancer doesn’t usually have any symptoms in the early stages, regular screening is recommended to pick up any abnormalities early. 

In England, the bowel cancer screening program invites people aged 50 to 74 to test for bowel cancer using a free home test kit. The test checks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool. If the results are positive, you’ll be invited for a colonoscopy. This is a procedure to identify and remove any polyps in your bowel before they become cancerous.

You can have private bowel cancer screening earlier with Welbeck if you choose.

Bowel cancer can’t always be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including: 

• eating plenty of fibre such as fruit, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains

• limiting red and processed meats in your diet

• increasing your calcium intake 

• drinking plenty of fluid, ideally water 

• staying physically active

• maintaining a healthy weight

• not smoking

• limiting or avoiding alcohol

• having regular bowel cancer screening 

Bowel cancer is normally curable if caught early, but untreated bowel cancer can lead to serious complications, including: 

• metastasis – the cancer can spread to other parts of your body, making it harder to treat 

• bowel obstruction – a tumour can cause a blockage in your bowel 

• bleeding in the bowel 

• bowel perforation –  the bowel wall can rupture 

Your treatment will depend on the size and location of the cancer, as well as the stage of the disease, and how far it’s spread. Most people have surgery for colon cancer that hasn’t spread.

If your cancer is more advanced, you may also have chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. These treatments can make the cancer easier to remove and reduce the risk of it coming back.

New treatments, such as biological therapies, involve the use of monoclonal antibodies that can reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.