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.
Colorectal surgeon, A/Prof Graham Newstead AM
The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine.
The colon is the longest part of the large intestine (the first 1.8 metres). It receives almost completely digested food from the caecum (a pouch within the abdominal cavity that is considered to be the beginning of the large intestine), absorbs water and nutrients, and passes waste (stool/faeces/poo) to the rectum.
The colon is divided into four parts:
The proximal colon is the ascending colon and the transverse colon together.
The distal colon is the descending colon and the sigmoid colon together.
The rectum is lower part of the large intestine (the last 15 centimetres) that connects to the sigmoid colon. It receives waste (stool/faeces/poo) from the colon and stores it until it passes out of the body through the anus.
The anus is the opening at the lower end of the rectum through which waste is passed from the body.
Cancer in the anal canal or anus is treated differently from, and is less common than, bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s resource explains the facts about bowel cancer, screening, high risk groups, symptoms you should be aware of.