Rectal cancer
Patient story: "It was soft and smooth. I could feel it."
Linda recalls the day she first noticed her bowel cancer warning symptoms, and regrets not seeing her doctor straight away.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Oct 2016
Introduction
Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed
Symptoms
Read about symptoms of bowel cancer, including blood in the stools (faeces), a change in bowel habit, such as more frequent, looser stools, and tummy (abdominal) pain.
Causes
Read about the causes of bowel cancer. Cancer occurs when the cells in a certain area of your body divide and multiply too rapidly. This produces a lump of tissue known as a tumour.
Diagnosis
Read about diagnosing bowel cancer. When you first see your GP, they'll ask about your symptoms and whether you have a family history of bowel cancer.
Treatment
Read about treating bowel cancer. Treatment for bowel cancer depends on which part of your bowel is affected and how far the cancer has spread.
Living with rectal cancer
Read about how bowel cancer can affect your daily life in different ways, depending on what stage it's at and what treatment you're having.
Patient story: "I never thought I'd have any problems."
Anne Messenger, from London, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2005. After keyhole surgery, she is now in the clear and focused on helping others.
Patient story: "If it's caught early, you stand a good chance of recovery."
Lester tells his story of being diagnosed with bowel cancer
Patient story: "It was soft and smooth. I could feel it."
Linda's account of being diagnosed with bowel cancer
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products