What is Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is cancer in any part of the large bowel (colon or rectum). It is sometimes known as colorectal cancer and might also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where in the bowel it starts.

Bowel cancer grows from the inner lining of the bowel (mucosa). It usually develops from small growths on the bowel wall called polyps. Most polyps are harmless (benign), but some polyps develop into cancer over time. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

If untreated, bowel cancer can grow into the deeper layers of the bowel wall. It can spread from there to the lymph nodes. If the cancer advances further, it can spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.

If you’re affected by bowel cancer (colorectal cancer), you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. Click here to download the Cancer Council booklet for more information.

Read More via Bowel Cancer Australia – https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/what-is-bowel-cancer