Bowel cancer refers to cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It often begins as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps that can develop into cancer over time. The symptoms of bowel cancer may be subtle at first, making early detection important for successful treatment.
Why Does Bowel Cancer Happen?
Bowel cancer can develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Age: Risk increases with age, particularly over 50 years old.
- Family history: A family history of bowel cancer or certain inherited genetic conditions (e.g., Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis) can increase risk.
- Lifestyle factors: A diet high in red or processed meat, low in fibre, and high in fats can contribute to the development of bowel cancer.
- Obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption: These factors are also associated with increased risk.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.
- Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations can increase susceptibility to bowel cancer.
When Does Bowel Cancer Occur?
Bowel cancer can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults:
- Most cases occur in people aged 50 and over.
- Screening: Regular screening is recommended for individuals aged 60 and above, or earlier if there is a family history of bowel cancer or certain genetic conditions.
- Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain are common symptoms that may prompt further investigation.
How to Treat Bowel Cancer
Treatment for bowel cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the overall health of the patient:
- Surgery:
- Polypectomy: Small, benign polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.
- Resection: In more advanced cases, part of the colon or rectum may need to be surgically removed.
- Colostomy or ileostomy: If a large section of the colon or rectum needs to be removed, an opening (stoma) may be created to allow waste to pass into a bag outside the body.
- Chemotherapy:
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is often used to eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumour.
- Radiotherapy:
- Used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, especially for rectal cancer, to target remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
- Targeted therapies:
- Medications that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, such as anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (e.g., cetuximab, panitumumab) or anti-VEGF inhibitors (e.g., bevacizumab), may be used in advanced cases.
- Palliative care:
- For advanced bowel cancer, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing the disease.
- Follow-up care:
- Regular check-ups and screenings are necessary to monitor for recurrence, especially in the first few years after treatment.
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