What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer is cancer in any part of the colon or rectum that forms most of the
large intestine and bowel. It is therefore also known as colon, rectal or colorectal
cancer. Bowel cancer is now the second most deadly cancer both in Guernsey and the
UK, being second only to lung cancer.
It begins with a small cluster of cells growing in an abnormal way, and this causes
a lump or tumour. If it goes untreated, it will increase in size and can block the
bowel, causing problems. (see
Signs and Symptoms).
However the good news is that 90% of cases of bowel cancer could be completely cured
if diagnosed and treated in time.
Many people feel embarrassed as well as worried if they have a problem with going
to the loo. They may be reluctant to go to their GP to get advice. But there are
many reasons why there may be changes with your bowels. (see
Other Common Conditions
with symptoms similar to bowel cancer)
In most cases it won’t be cancer.