Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) is a very common cancer in Australia. It affects about 1 in
20 persons in Australia. Colorectal cancer becomes more common with age. Most patients with colorectal
cancer develop the condition between 55 and 75 years of age. Men and women are
equally affected although cancers of the rectum occur more frequently in men.
Who gets Colorectal Cancer?
This
cancer becomes more common with age. Most patients with the cancer develop
the condition between 55 and 75 years of age. Men and women are equally
affected although cancers of the rectum occur more frequently in men. Patients
with a family history of cancer or polyps have a higher risk of developing the
cancer. The risk of these increases with the number of risk factors such as:
the number of family members with colorectal cancer (especially if on the same
side of the family), younger age at diagnosis of the cancer, multiple cancers
in the same individual. Some conditions of the bowel also
predispose to colorectal cancer including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s
disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and maintaining
a balanced diet low in saturated fats may also help reduce the risk of bowel
cancer.
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| Colorectal cancer |
What symptoms do patients with Colorectal cancer have?
The type of symptoms experienced varies depending on the location of the
cancer and how early or advanced the cancer is. Common symptoms include change
in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss and anaemia.
Patients may have cancers detected at the asymptomatic stage with a stool test
which forms the bowel cancer screening program.
Tests for Colorectal cancer:
Most patients with a colorectal
cancer will require several tests to confirm the diagnosis of cancer and to
allow the doctor to determine has spread. These tests include
o
Colonoscopy –
this allows the surgeon to determine the location of the tumor and to take a
sample at the time to confirm the diagnosis
o
CT scan – to check the lungs and
liver to determine if the tumour has spread
o
CEA – this is a tumour marker that
can be helpful in confirming diagnosis and may allow for early detection of
cancer recurrence after treatment
o
Patients with rectal cancer may also
be required to undergo an MRI of the pelvis, PET scan and/ or a trans rectal
ultrasound.
Treatment for Colorectal cancer:
The mainstay treatment of colorectal cancer is surgery. This involves
removal of the part of the bowel where the tumour is located as well as the
lymph glands surrounding this part of bowel. Most patients will be able to have
the ends of the bowel re-joined together although some patients may require a
temporary or permanent stoma bag. After surgery, the cancer will be sent for
further analysis which will determine if chemotherapy is necessary. Patients
with rectal cancer may also require radiotherapy.
More information can be found at
www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
