Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer signs and symptoms

Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• change in bowel habit including diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling of incomplete emptying

• a change in the appearance or consistency of bowel movements such as thin bowel stools

• blood in the stools

• abdominal pain, bloating or cramping

• anal or rectal pain

• a lump in the anus or rectum

• weight loss

• unexplained fatigue

• tiredness and/or anaemia (pale complexion, weakness and breathlessness)

• blood in the urine or passing urine frequently or during the night, change in urine colour – dark, rusty or brown

Causes of bowel cancer

Some factors that increase your risk of bowel cancer include:

• a diet low in fibre

• high red meat consumption, especially processed meats

• being overweight or obese

• alcohol consumption

• smoking tobacco

• inherited genetic risk and family history

• inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease

• polyps

• having a previous diagnosis of bowel cancer

Diagnosis of bowel cancer

A number of tests are used to diagnose bowel cancer. Initially, your doctor will give you a physical examination to feel if you have any abdominal swelling. Your doctor will also give you a digital rectal examination to check for any lumps or swelling in the rectum or anus.

After a diagnosis of bowel cancer

After finding out you have bowel cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of bowel cancer affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however, some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities.

Learn more about best bowel cancer care:

What should happen next?

This resource can help guide you and your loved ones after your diagnosis. 

Guide to best care for bowel cancer

Treatment for bowel cancer

Treatment for early bowel cancer

Treatment for advanced bowel cancer

Side effects 

Treatment for bowel cancer and even the cancer itself, can cause side effects. The types and severity of any side effects you may experience will depend on the type of treatment you have and may vary from person to person. Most side effects are temporary and can be prevented, reduced or managed.   

Some of the side effects you may experience include:  

• fatigue  
• nausea and vomiting  
• hair loss
• being more prone to infections
• changes to bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, incontinence or small amounts of bleeding from the anus
• mouth problems
• changes in appetite, taste and smell
• high blood pressure
• changes to memory and thinking
• changes to fertility and sexual function.

Talk to your health care team about any changes you experience during and after treatment. 

Treatment Team

• GP (General Practitioner) -

  looks after your general health and works with your specialists to coordinate treatment.

• Colorectal surgeon -

  diagnoses bowel cancer and performs bowel surgery.

• Gastroenterologist -

  specialises in diseases of the digestive system.

• Medical oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy.

• Radiation oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy treatment.

• Cancer nurse -

  assists with treatment and provides information and support throughout your treatment.

• Dietitian -

  recommends an eating plan to follow while you are in treatment and recovery.

• Other allied health professionals -

  such as social workers, pharmacists, and counsellors

Screening for bowel cancer

Bowel cancer can begin without noticeable symptoms. Bowel screening can spot the early signs of bowel cancer - when we find bowel cancer early, successful treatment is more likely.

If you’re aged 50-74, you’ll be sent a screening test every two years as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. From 1st July 2024, people aged 45-49 can also request a free screening kit to be mailed to them.

Your screening test is called a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). It looks for traces of blood in the poo which are invisible to the human eye and could be a sign of bowel cancer. The test is quick, simple, and completed at home in four easy steps.

If you’ve lost or didn’t receive a kit, you can re-order one here. If you’re under 50 but have concerns about bowel cancer, speak to your GP immediately.

Preventing bowel cancer

The risk of bowel cancer can be reduced by a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, limiting consumption of red meat, avoiding processed meats, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Prognosis for bowel cancer

Prognosis refers to the expected outcome of a disease. It is not possible for any doctor to predict the exact course of the disease. An individual's prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as their age and general health at the time of diagnosis. This information will also help your doctor to advise on the best treatment options.

Generally, the earlier bowel cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcomes.