Everything About Bowel Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Bowel cancer is a growing health concern that affects a large number of people worldwide. The disease develops silently from the inner lining of the bowel, and hence, its early detection can contribute significantly to its prevention and timely medical intervention. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about bowel cancer, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to ensure you stay informed and proactive about your health. Let’s begin!

What is Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and typically starts as abnormal growth, or polyps, in the colon and gradually turns cancerous. Early detection of bowel cancer can significantly improve its treatment outcomes.

Causes of Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer develops due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, such as:

Age and Genetics

• Individuals over 50 years of age are at greater risk of developing bowel cancer.
• A family history of bowel cancer, along with various genetic mutations like Lynch Syndrome, increases the chances.

Unhealthy Diet

• An unhealthy diet, such as consuming high-fat and excessively processed food, can increase the risk of developing cancer.
• Lower intake of fruits and vegetables also affects gut health.

Bad Lifestyle 

• Another factor that leads to bowel cancer is lack of physical exercise.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol can also damage intestinal cells and hence cause cancer.

Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Bowel cancer symptoms are not easily noticeable in the early stages, and thereby getting regular screenings is important. Here we are going to list the common bowel cancer symptoms:

• Persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or irregular movements in the intestine are the early warning signs of bowel cancer.
• Inconsistency in the stools or blood in the stools
• Pain, bloating, or cramping in the abdomen
• Pain in the anal or rectal area
• Unexplainable loss of weight
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic fatigue and tiredness
• Changes in the urine colour or frequent blood in urine

Diagnosis of Bowel Cancer

Timely diagnosis of bowel cancer is crucial for its effective treatment. Initially, your doctor will perform a few physical examinations to determine the swelling in the abdomen, followed by further diagnostic procedures:

Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test 

The immunochemical faecal occult blood test, or the iFOBT, is a screening test for bowel cancer. It involves sampling stool and examining it under a microscope to look for traces of polyps in the blood. This test does not diagnose cancer but prompts doctors to perform further tests, such as colonoscopies, to confirm the diagnosis.

Colonoscopy 

It is one of the best diagnostic tests for bowel cancer and involves examination of the abnormal growth in the intestine. In colonoscopy, a thin tube is inserted into the colon of the body, and the camera attached at the end of the tube is used to look for polyps or abnormal growth.

Imaging Tests

• Imaging tests such as MRI, CT Scan, or PET Scan are useful in scanning the intestine and looking for tumours or cancerous cells in the body.The MRI Scan produces detailed cross-section images of the intestine and helps doctors diagnose bowel cancer along with its extent.
• The CT Scan produces 3-dimensional pictures of the various organs at the same time and can be quite useful in examining the cancerous cells.
• The PET Scan is a modern medical treatment in which a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into the human body which consecutively makes the cancer cells appear brighter upon scanning.

Treatment for Bowel Cancer

The treatment for bowel cancer depends on a variety of parameters, such as its stage, location, and overall patient’s medical health. The main available treatment options for bowel cancer include:

Surgery

The most common treatment for bowel cancer is through surgery. The most viable option for the early stage of cancer is colectomy, which includes the removal of the polyps from the large intestine. If you are diagnosed with advanced cancer, partial or total colon resection is recommended.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often administered after successful surgery and involves using drugs to kill the cancerous cells and prevent them from returning.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used before surgery and involves putting cancer cells under high radiation in order to shrink tumours.

Conclusion

Bowel cancer is a common type of cancer but treatable with early detection and timely medical intervention. Understanding its symptoms, going through regular health check-ups, and seeking proper medical intervention can significantly impact the recovery from bowel cancer. Moreover, treatments for cancer can be emotionally and financially draining, and hence, getting health insurance is essential to secure your financial stability in times of surgery and keep you and your family stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the bowel cancer symptoms?

   The most common symptoms of bowel cancer are changes in bowel movements, blood in stools and urine, constant diarrhoea, unexplainable loss of weight and appetite, and chronic fatigue.

2. What are the main causes of bowel cancer?

   The main causes of bowel cancer are an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and other lifestyle habits, such as smoking, and high consumption of alcohol.

3. Can you recover from bowel cancer?

   Yes, if the diagnosis is made in the early stage of bowel cancer, it can be treated easily with professional medical help.