What Is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer, also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer or colorectal cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth in the appendix, colon or rectum. Typically, it begins in the bowel lining before spreading to the underlying muscle and then through the bowel wall.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in the UK, with around 40,700 people being diagnosed with the disease every year. Of this number, over half are male, making it the third most common cancer in men. Like other cancers, it is more common in people over 60, with more than 80% of patients being in this age group.
The causes of bowel cancer remain largely unknown however there are contributory factors that can make people more susceptible. These factors include: excessive consumption of red meat, inactive lifestyle, smoking, hereditary tendencies, and a history of inflammatory bowel diseases. There is little genetic risk associated with bowel cancer though.
The main signs of bowel cancer tend to be: rectal bleeding, anaemia, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Other indications are bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Private treatments for bowel cancer are available at the LOC, where on-going bowel cancer research is also undertaken. The skilled specialists will help to plan the best treatment option with the latest oncological procedures for a bowel cancer diagnosis.