An overview of bowel cancer
Written in association with:
Colorectal surgeon
Published: 18/06/2024
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It often starts from benign polyps that can become cancerous over time. Leading consultant colorectal surgeon Professor Jamie Murphy provides an overview of the condition, including the symptoms and who is most likely to be affected.
What is bowel cancer and what does it typically occur in the digestive system?
Bowel cancer is an abnormal growth in the colon or rectum is not a binary process. It starts with normal tissue, which becomes slightly abnormal, then very abnormal, and eventually turns into cancer. This progression typically takes about seven to eleven years for most patients. However, for those with a strong family history or inflammatory bowel disease, it can be as short as two years.
What are the main types of bowel cancer?
There is primarily one major type of bowel cancer, named adenocarcinoma, which is responsible for about 90% of all cases. This abnormal growth is what most people typically refer to when discussing bowel cancer.
How common is bowel cancer?
There are between 42,000 and 43,000 cases of bowel cancer each year in the United Kingdom, which equates to roughly 120 new cases per day. Each year, there are about 16,000 deaths due to this disease in the UK. Currently, bowel cancer is the third most common cancer, but it is likely to become the second most common as smoking rates and lung cancer cases decrease.
What age group is most at risk for developing bowel cancer?
About 10 to 15 years ago, the average age for bowel cancer patients was between 60 and 80. However, there has been a significant increase in cases among patients under 50. The youngest patient I have ever treated was 14. It is anticipated that by the end of the decade, half of all rectal cancer cases will be in individuals under 50.
What are the common symptoms of bowel cancer?
The most common symptoms of bowel cancer include bleeding from the rectum, a change in bowel habits (usually diarrhoea rather than constipation), and a change in the consistency and frequency of stools. Other symptoms may include fatigue due to anaemia, a lump in the abdomen, and weight loss.
It is important to note that for the vast majority of people, these symptoms will not indicate a serious condition, even though they should be investigated. For most patients, the cause will be something relatively simple to treat. However, anyone experiencing these symptoms for three weeks or more should seek medical evaluation.
Are there early warning signs of bowel cancer that people should be aware of?
The early warning signs are likely to be bleeding or a change in bowel habits. The other symptoms tend to appear later, but we often group them all together.
If you are concerned about bowel cancer and would like to book a consultation with Dr Murphy, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.