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.
If you have been diagnosed with bowel cancer, it is not surprising that you may have a lot of questions.
Being well-informed will help you know what to expect before, during, and following treatment.
Being treated for bowel cancer often means that you may have more than one specialist.
Your relationship with your treating specialist and the other members of your multidisciplinary team constitute a key part of your care.
It is usually best to have one specialist who coordinates all of your care. This specialist should be someone you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to your concerns and answers all of your questions.
There will also be nurses working with your specialist who have training to care for people with bowel cancer. In many cases, the nurses can answer your questions as well and assist in helping you get the answers you require from other members of your multidisciplinary team.
Like all successful relationships, your relationship with your specialist is a two-way street. It is your responsibility to ask questions and learn about your treatment and health and to play an active role in your health care – it is your life, your illness, and your body.
Whether you are dealing with a suspicion, diagnosis, or coping with the side effects of treatment, it is important to know what questions to ask your GP or specialist so as to best equip yourself in the prevention, management, and treatment of bowel cancer.
Exploring the emotional and physical side effects of treatments will give you some insight into potential issues before they occur.
Although managing and living with these side effects may be difficult, at least you will be aware and informed should they occur.
Ensure that all your concerns and questions, no matter how small, have been addressed.
Ask whatever you feel is important to get the information you need right now.
It may require more than one visit to discuss all of your concerns and new questions may arise at a later time.
It may be difficult to remember everything your specialist says to you.
You may find it helpful to:
The more information you have about bowel cancer and regular communication with your specialist are vital in helping you make informed decisions about your health care.
Download Bowel Cancer Australia’s list of What I Need to Ask questions.
Below is a list of questions to ask your GP about screening for bowel cancer.
Mark the questions you would like answered and take them with you to your next appointment.
If your GP/specialist suspects that you may have bowel cancer, the following list of questions may assist in the discussion that takes place between you and your doctor when addressing the suspicion and subsequent course of action.
The following list of questions can be asked of the specialist who is diagnosing or has diagnosed your bowel cancer.
Your specialist may wish to pursue additional testing to either stage the cancer or determine the full extent of the disease resulting from disease metastasis (spread of the disease).
This additional information is critical in helping to decide on a treatment plan.
The following list of general treatment-related questions has been compiled if you wish to explore and engage in a discussion regarding your treatment options after diagnosis.
A more extensive and specific list of questions are provided according to the type of treatment recommended.
Identify those questions of relevance to you and ensure that your questions and any concerns you have are properly addressed before commencing treatment.
Cancer treatment can be quite complex. Not surprisingly, some patients may not know where to start asking questions and, naturally, may wonder if another specialist might offer something different in the way of treatment.
Patients may find themselves wanting to talk with another specialist who can look at their test results, talk to them about their personal situation, and perhaps give them a different take on their case.
Some patients may find it difficult to tell their specialist that they would like to seek out a second opinion.
Knowing that it is quite common for patients to seek out a second opinion, the following list of questions may aid in addressing the subject with your specialist.
Most specialists are comfortable with such requests.
Securing a second opinion can be facilitated through a referral from your specialist or you may wish to seek out a second opinion on your own and then have your GP forward the referral.
Once you have decided who you will see for your second opinion, ask that your medical records, original x-rays and all test results be shared with the new specialist.
This avoids having to repeat everything all over again. Having taken copies of all your test results throughout the process may facilitate the sharing of those results with your new specialist.
Remember that you have the right to a second opinion about your diagnosis and the recommended treatment plan.
Asking for a second opinion does not imply that you do not like or trust your specialist.
Your specialist understands you need to feel that every possibility for the best treatment has been explored.
You may also ask your specialist if they have consulted with their colleagues for additional recommendations in respect of your disease.
For patients with potentially curable bowel cancer, a properly performed surgical operation is essential for optimal results.
In the majority of such cases, operative intervention involves a resection (removal) of the primary cancer and regional lymph nodes, along with the removal of sections of normal bowel on both sides of the cancer when treating colon cancer, and the removal of the mesorectum (the tissue attached to and supporting the rectum) when treating rectal cancer.
There are several different types of surgical procedures used in the treatment and management of bowel cancer.
The size and spread of the cancer, as well as the experience of the surgeon determine the appropriate procedure.
The following list of questions is meant as a guide to the issues you should discuss with your surgeon and medical team before undergoing surgical treatment of bowel cancer.
Questions to ask your surgeon after surgery:
Questions to ask about surgery-related side effects:
Patients who have had surgical treatment for their colon or rectal cancer may require an ileostomy or colostomy.
In the event that an ileostomy or colostomy is required, the following questions may assist you in your discussion with your specialist, who is usually a colorectal surgeon.
This concise list of chemotherapy-related questions may assist you when engaging in a conversation with your specialist (who is usually a medical oncologist) about the administration of chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
Questions to ask about chemotherapy-related side effects:
The following questions may assist you with your discussions with your radiation oncologist should you need radiation therapy.
Questions to ask during radiotherapy:
Questions to ask about radiation therapy-related side effects:
Questions to ask after radiation therapy:
The following list of questions may assist you with your discussions with your therapist or specialist if you are considering complementary therapies during or after bowel cancer treatment.
General questions to ask your specialist:
General questions to ask any complementary therapist:
Questions to ask your specialist about specific therapies:
Ask the general questions above, plus the following questions:
The following list of questions address the lifestyle factors during and after bowel cancer treatment.
At some point – even if you do not change specialists before or during treatment – you may find yourself in the office of a new specialist involved in the management of your care.
It is important that you be able to give your new specialist the exact details of your diagnosis and treatment. The following checklist will aid in the sharing of your information with the new specialist and it is recommended that you always keep copies for yourself.
You may ask your specialist’s office staff for copies of your records. Asking for your records as soon as they are generated is advisable as the office may relocate, close during the holidays and staff may depart on vacation, for example.
If the treatment or test took place in a hospital, you may need to contact the hospital’s medical records department to determine how to go about securing your records. This information should be kept with you for life, since all future specialist visits will be requiring the information.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s essential support services are uniquely designed for you.
Email, call of video chat confidentially with one of our friendly nurses, nutritionists, or psychosocial support worker, plus access our resources, peer-to-peer buddy program, support group or podcast.