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Bowel cancer

Overview

Bowel cancer is cancer found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It's one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.

Symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in your poo, blood in your poo, bleeding from your bottom, tummy pain, and losing weight.

It's not always known why bowel cancer happens, but it can be caused by genetic changes, your lifestyle and certain health conditions.

It's not always possible to prevent bowel cancer. Staying a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and quitting smoking may help.

The main test for bowel cancer is a colonoscopy. This is where a thin tube with a camera is used to look inside your bowel.

Treatment for bowel cancer may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

If you have bowel cancer, you can get support from your specialist team and charities like Bowel Cancer UK.

Page last reviewed: 01/01/1970
Next review due: 01/01/1970