Bowel cancer is cancer that develops within your digestive system, specifically your large intestine
According to Cancer Research UK, bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK. Although overall bowel cancer rates are decreasing, rates amongst young adults are rising, particularly those under 50. That’s why it is so important to be aware of your risk of bowel cancer and screen for the disease if you’re worried about any signs or symptoms.
Screening for bowel cancer has been proven to improve patients’ chances of successful treatment for bowel cancer and catch the disease early before it can develop further.
At The Blackheath Hospital, our private bowel cancer treatment centre offers diagnostic and treatment services to patients who live in Greenwich, Lewisham and Bexley areas. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chances of recovery and positive treatment results.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is cancer that affects the large bowel found in the digestive system.
Your bowels, also known as the intestines, are an integral part of your digestive system. They help digested waste travel from your stomach to your anus. Your large intestine helps absorb water and salts from the liquid waste and turns it into solid waste (poop). The large bowel is made up of the colon, rectum, and anus.
The term bowel cancer is normally used to talk about the following cancers:
Cancer occurs when the cells in your body change and grow in an uncontrolled way. This causes an overgrowth of cells to collect and form a tumour. Bowel cancer typically starts in the lining of the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectum).
Accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.
If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.
If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.
Typical symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Sometimes bowel cancer can cause bowel obstruction to occur. This can cause symptoms such as bloating, cramping, constipation, being unable to pass gas, or vomiting.
Often, symptoms of bowel cancer can be mistaken for other more minor conditions or dismissed as ‘normal’ bowel habits. It’s important you seek medical advice about any new or unusual symptoms you may notice.
The exact cause of bowel cancer has not been determined yet. However, there are several known risk factors that are likely to cause bowel cancer.
These include the following:
The impact our diet can have on your bowels and your risk of bowel cancer remains unknown or uncertain.
Generally eating a healthy, balanced diet is more important than avoiding individual foods when it comes to cancer. However, it is known that some specific eating habits can affect your risk of bowel cancer on their own.
This includes eating too much red or processed meat, eating too little fibre, and not eating enough calcium.
As you get older, your risk of bowel cancer increases. In the UK, more than 40% of bowel cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 or over each year.
Being overweight or carrying excess fat around your waist can increase the risk of bowel cancer, especially in men.
Smoking and or drinking alcohol are linked to an increased risk of many cancers, including bowel cancer.
If you spend lots of time sitting or being inactive, you have a higher chance of developing bowel cancer.
If you have a longstanding inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, this can increase your risk of bowel cancer. This is because chronic inflammation can lead to the formation of abnormal, pre-cancerous cells.
Your risk of bowel cancer is increased if you have a close relative (mother, father, offspring or sibling) diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Your risk is further increased if you have more than one relative diagnosed with bowel cancer or if a close relative was diagnosed under 50 years old.
At The Blackheath Hospital we have several screening options. These are reviewed on a patient-by-patient basis, through a personal discussion with a specialist consultant.
We will always consider your circumstances and personal needs when recommending diagnostic tests. Examples of the screening methods that can take place at The Blackheath Hospital are:
The age at which you should start getting screened for bowel cancer depends largely on whether you have a family history of the disease, as well as the age and number of affected relatives within your family.
If you are over the age of 50 and due to be tested by NHS bowel cancer screen stool test, you should participate. However, if you:
Get in contact with one of our specialists to discuss your available options and our screening facilities at The Blackheath Hospital.
If you have been diagnosed with bowel cancer, there are many treatment options available depending on the stage of the disease.
The main treatment options for bowel cancer usually include the following:
The type of treatment you will receive will depend on your cancer’s size, location, and stage as well as your general health and preferences. Your consultant will discuss with you what the best options for you may be, whether it would be best to combine with other treatments, and what your outlook may look like going forward.
To book a consultation to discuss bowel cancer screening or treatment with a cancer specialist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
If you are looking for bowel cancer diagnostics and treatment in Greenwich, we’ve got you covered.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
If you want to know more about bowel cancer screening or treatment, give us a call or book online today to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced specialists.
Reception: 020 8318 7722
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