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Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectum). It often starts as a small growth (polyp) and is very treatable when found early.
Causes & risk factors
- Increasing age (most cases are over 50)
- A family history of bowel cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease over many years
- A diet high in red or processed meat and low in fibre
- Being overweight, inactive, smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome
Common symptoms
- Blood in the stool
- A lasting change in bowel habit
- Diarrhoea or a feeling of incomplete emptying
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tummy pain or discomfort
- Tiredness from anaemia
Tests & diagnosis
- Colonoscopy with biopsy (the main test)
- Faecal occult blood / FIT stool test (screening)
- CBC (anaemia)
- CT scan for staging
- CEA tumour marker blood test
Treatment & management
- Surgery to remove the affected part of the bowel
- Chemotherapy, given before or after surgery in some cases
- Radiotherapy, mainly for rectal cancer
- Targeted therapies for advanced disease
- Regular follow-up after treatment
When to see a doctor urgently
- Blood in the stool or bleeding from the back passage
- A change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent tummy pain
- Unexplained tiredness or anaemia
Frequently asked questions
Can bowel cancer be prevented?
Not entirely, but a high-fibre diet, less red and processed meat, a healthy weight, exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol lower the risk. Screening finds and removes polyps before they turn cancerous.
At what age should I get screened?
Screening usually starts around age 45-50, or earlier with a strong family history. Ask your doctor about the right test and timing for you.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.