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  • Colorectal cancer

Introduction

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Colorectal cancer

Learn more about the different types of colorectal cancer and potential treatment options.

What is colorectal cancer?

What is colorectal cancer?

The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system.1

The colon is the longest part of the large intestine (the first 1.5-1.8 metres).1 It has several major functions, including:3

  • receiving almost completely digested food from the caecum (a pouch within the abdominal cavity that is considered to be the beginning of the large intestine),
  • absorbing water and nutrients, and
  • passes waste (faeces) to the rectum.

The rectum, which is the final part of the large intestine, holds our faeces until defecation.1

There are two main types of bowel cancer:

  • Small bowel cancer
  • Large bowel cancer

Small bowel cancer 

Large bowel cancer 

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing colorectal cancer

Your doctor can discuss specific symptom information with you. Tests to diagnose colorectal cancer may include:2,4

  • Blood tests – To check if there are any signs that you are losing blood in your stools, and to check for red blood cell count (low red cell count can be common in people with colorectal cancer).
  • Faecal blood test – This test involves you taking a stool sample at home. The sample is examined for traces of blood, which can be an indicator of a polyp, cancer, or other bowel conditions. It does not diagnose cancer, but if blood is detected your doctor may recommend further testing.
  • Colonoscopy – This test is regarded as being the most comprehensive test for colorectal cancer. It examines the length of the large bowel with a camera inserted into the anus under anaesthetic. Any unusual tissue may be removed for further examination.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Carried out in the same way as a colonoscopy, this test is used to examine the rectum and left side of the lower colon. Any unusual tissue may be removed for further examination.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan – Takes three-dimensional pictures of several organs at the same time, and can help doctors plan surgery, if required. It can also be used to see if the cancer has spread.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – Produces detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body and can help to show the extent of any tumours.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan – Produces three-dimensional colour images that help show where any cancers are in the body.

 

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Treatment options

Treatment options

Treatment for colorectal cancer will usually depend on what your treating team decides is right for your case and may include:2,5

Targeted Therapy

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy that involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy may be used before surgery to help shrink a tumour, and it may help make it easier to remove. It may also be used after surgery if the tumour was attached to an internal organ or the lining of the abdomen, with the aim being to help destroy any cancer cells left behind.

Radiation helps to destroy lesions and tumours within your body.2,5,7 Radiation therapy may be delivered independently or alongside treatment approaches such as surgery.2,8 Your doctor will discuss your specific treatment plan with you.

Radiation Therapy
Only Men, One Man Only, Smiling, Adult

With cancer treatment, there is a possibility of side effects, and the type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals.2,8 

You should ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects that you may experience with any treatment recommended for you.

Your treatment team will provide some more information on some of the lifestyle interventions to try during treatment. The following is a list to help you get started:

  • Get as much rest as possible9
  • Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat9
  • Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous9
  • Drink lots of water9
  • Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment9
  • Record your side effects in a diary or journal9
  • Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine9
  • It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to9
  • Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours9
  • Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them.

A cancer diagnosis can be life changing.10 Even before your initial encounter with the GenesisCare team, you may experience a wave of emotions.10 It’s natural to feel disbelief, anxiety, sadness, anger and loneliness.10 We strive to help strengthen your confidence, settle your emotions, and create care experiences that offer the best possible clinical outcomes.

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Support services

Support services

Cancer Council Australia

Australia's leading cancer charity, Cancer Council aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.

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Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA)

GESA sets and promotes clinical standards in gastroenterology and hepatology. 

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Bowel Cancer Australia

The leading national charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care, so everyone affected by bowel cancer can live their best life.

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  1. Azzouz LL & Sharma S. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing LLC [Internet]. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Biliary Ducts. Treasure island (FL). Last Update: July 2023 [Cited Oct 2023]. Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507857/
  2. Cancer Council. Bowel cancer. Available at: cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer. Accessed on: 15/07/21.
  3. Kahai P, et al. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Large Intestine, 2020 StatPearls Pub, USA.
  4. Cancer Council Australia. Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancer. Available at: cancer.org.au/australia/Guidelines:Colorectal_cancer#_ga=2.99481630.1470258732.1626230418-908501624.1616558293. Accessed on: 15/07/21.
  5. American Cancer Society. What is colorectal cancer? Available at: cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html. Accessed on: 15/07/21.
  6. Fedirko V et al. Annals of Onc 2011; 22:1958-1972.
  7. Li D, et al. Cancer Biol Med. 2014; 11(4):217-236.
  8. Cancer Council Australia. Radiation therapy. Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/treatment/radiation-therapy. Accessed on: 15/07/21.
  9. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Nutrition for People Living with Cancer. Page last updated July 2022 [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet
  10. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Emotions and cancer. Updated Nov. 2022 [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/emotions-and-cancer-booklet

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Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
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