Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the UK and yet can be cured if treated early. Early detection and removal of certain types of polyps may also prevent Colorectal cancer from developing.
Most patients are referred to The Rectal Clinic are sent by their Doctor with symptoms requiring investigation.
Bowel Cancer Symptoms that should be investigated are:
- Rectal bleeding / change in bowel habit
- Rectal bleeding without anal symptoms
- Persistent change in bowel habit (more than 6 weeks)
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Weight loss
- Palpable abdominal or rectal mass
Asymptomatic Group
Some people, however, will not have symptoms.
The HIGH RISK asymptomatic group that we would identify are:
| Age | Older than 45 |
| Associated Disease | Inflammatory Bowel DiseasePolyposis |
| Past History | Colorectal cancer, adenomatous polypsFemale reproductive / breast cancer |
| Family History | Polyps / Colorectal cancerFemale reproductive / breast cancer |