Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum; it may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is located.
Bowel cancer screening is for people who do not already have bowel cancer, symptoms of bowel cancer, or any reason to have a high risk of bowel cancer.
Patient-centred care is healthcare that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs and values of patients and consumers.
Bowel Cancer Australia provides essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support, as well as a national Peer-to-Peer Support Network and Buddy Program.
Bowel Cancer Australia funds research that has the potential to improve survival and/or help build a path toward a cure and integrates published research into our awareness, advocacy, and support strategies.
Bowel Cancer Australia relies upon donations and the support of hard working and enthusiastic fundraisers across the country to continue our life saving work. We raise funds to continue our life-saving work and inspire others to do the same, so everyone affected by bowel cancer can live their best life.
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are known as inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease is sometimes shortened to IBD. However, this is not the same as IBS, which is short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is a very different condition.
Both these conditions can cause inflammation of the bowel (colon and rectum), with similar symptoms and treatments.
Inflammation of ulcerative colitis is usually found in the inner most lining of the bowel, while in Crohn’s disease the inflammation can spread through the whole wall of the bowel as well as affect any part of the digestive tract.
Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract.
The inflammation usually occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the colon and rectum, but any part of the digestive tract can be affected.
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term, chronic condition that usually occurs in the colon and rectum, but it may affect the entire bowel.
A Bowel Cancer Australia resource outlining non-modifiable risk factors for bowel cancer, including a family medical history chart.