What it is
Risk is higher with age, a family history, long-standing inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, a diet high in red and processed meat, and being overweight.
Screening with a home stool test or colonoscopy can catch it early, when it is much easier to treat. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted medicines.
Common signs
- Blood in the stool
- A change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness from low iron (anaemia)
- Tummy pain or a lump
How it is usually diagnosed
- Stool test (FIT)
- Colonoscopy with biopsy
- CT scan to check for spread
- Blood tests including a full blood count
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Screening test results and dates
- Colonoscopy and pathology reports
- CT reports and staging
- Treatment plans and the follow-up schedule
Questions to ask your doctor
- What stage is it and what are my options?
- Should my relatives be screened earlier?
- How often will I need check-ups and scans?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Heavy bleeding from the bottom
- Severe tummy pain with vomiting and being unable to pass stool or wind, which may be a blockage
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.