Services

colorectal cancer

Colorectal Cancer

What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestine (colon) or in the last 15cm of the large intestine, which is the rectum. The rectum leads to the anus, through which stool is passed. There are many types of cancer, and a biopsy is required to identify the type of colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.


What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • A persistent change in bowel habits, i.e., you notice you are having regular bouts of diarrhoea or constipation that is not in keeping with your normal stooling pattern.
  • Blood in your stools or passing of blood from the back passage.
  • The feeling of incomplete emptying, i.e., passing a stool but feeling like you have to go again.
  • Abdominal pain/cramps.
  • A decrease in energy levels and feeling weak due to persistent anaemia.
colorectal cancerCOLORECTAL CANCER faecal incontinenceFAECAL INCONTINENCE rectal prolapseRECTAL PROLAPSE gastrointestinal tract disordersPROCTOLOGY bowel obstructionBOWEL OBSTRUCTION abdominal herniasABDOMINAL HERNIAS appendicitisAPPENDICITIS

How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

  • If you notice any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with a colorectal surgeon who will investigate your symptoms.
  • You will be examined for signs of cancer, one of which is placing a finger into the anus to feel for a lump/growth.
  • Blood tests will be done to look for anaemia as your blood count will be lower if you have been bleeding.
  • A colonoscopy will be done after giving you a bowel cleansing agent. This consists of using a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end to look through the colon while you are under deep sedation. This allows the doctor to look inside your colon and rectum. At this time, if a growth is found in the colon/rectum, a biopsy can be taken to test if there is cancer present. Small polyps can also be removed at this time.
  • If colorectal cancer is proven, then further investigation will be done to tell the stage of cancer, and a treatment plan will be made after discussion with you about the various options available for the stage of cancer identified.
Request a consultation
logo icon

"Touching lives through skill and understanding."