Bowel Cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK with almost 42,000 people diagnosed in the UK every year. It is not gender specific, the sad fact is that, 1 in 15 men and 1 in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.
The good news is that bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and plays an important role in raising the profile of bowel cancer, early diagnosis and screening. Since the 1970s, the number of people dying of bowel cancer has been falling due to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include but are not limited to*:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer but if you have any concerns about your bowel health or a family history of bowel cancer it is important to seek advice and help from a healthcare professional.
We understand that experiencing symptoms related to the colon and rectum can be distressing, so having fast access to diagnostic procedures and treatments that give peace of mind is important.
Our team of specialists offer the latest diagnostic techniques and treatments across the general, colorectal and laparoscopic fields of surgery, treating both benign and malignant colorectal conditions.
Our colorectal and gastroenterology Consultants are supported by a wider team of Radiographers, Nurses and Theatre Practitioners in order to provide you and your family with the best possible outcome.
For more information about colorectal surgery at KIMS Hospital: https://staging.kims.org.uk/service/colorectal-surgery/
All statistics are taken from Cancer research UK data: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bowel-cancer
* https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/