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.
There are very strong links between diet and bowel cancer, and one of the most important changes following treatment for bowel cancer will be to establish good eating and drinking habits that are both healthy and interesting to help you (and your family) stick to the new routine – as well as minimising problems associated with foods that can be difficult to digest with a surgically shortened bowel.
During surgery to remove the tumour, a section of your bowel will have been removed.
How much is removed varies from patient to patient, depending on the size and location of the tumour, but your digestive system is now learning to function again with this section of bowel missing.
For some people, their body also has to adapt to the formation of a stoma during their operation.
This will inevitably lead to some changes in your bowel habit, although these changes will be more apparent for some.
Patients can also experience changes in bowel habit whilst having chemotherapy or during and/or after a course of radiation therapy.
The two most common problems for patients during and after treatment are diarrhoea (passing loose poos) and urgency – when you need to go, you need to go now, or constipation – hard or infrequent poos.
It is important to manage your own expectation and be aware that it is unlikely your bowels will be exactly the same as they were before the operation.
It might take a period of a few weeks or months to set into a ‘new normal’ routine and it’s important to be patient – however difficult this might be.
It might be a good idea to keep a ‘food diary’ so you can record:
You may then be able to identify patterns and remove the foods that cause any problems from your diet.
To a certain degree it will be a case of ‘trial and error’ to see what you can eat and what you can’t.
You may also find that foods you can’t initially tolerate can be reintroduced to your diet after a while with no problems.
So don’t be too disheartened if your favourite food upsets your system – you may well be able to eat it again in the future.
Maybe you could try eating your main meal at lunchtime to reduce the number of times you need to get up during the night.
Also remember to keep drinking a sufficient amount of water if you are experiencing diarrhoea so you don’t become dehydrated.
It is also possible to use medications to help reduce problems with very loose poos, under the supervision of either your Stoma Nurse or GP.
It may take you longer to adapt to changes if you are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery.
If your bowels really aren’t settling into a new routine or you are experiencing ongoing weight loss, weight gain, pain or discomfort, talk to your GP or nurse. They may recommend referring you to a dietician or be able to prescribe medication to control the symptoms.
Remember you’re not alone.
You may like to contact our Bowel Care Nutritionists for advice.
A Bowel Cancer Australia resource providing dietary advice specifically for bowel cancer patients following treatment or surgery, to help them on their road to recovery.
Establishing good eating and drinking habits that are healthy and interesting to minimise problems associated with foods that can be difficult to digest with a surgically shortened bowel.
After surgery some people can eat normal foods and have normal bowel motions. However, some people experience loose bowel motions or constipation. The low fibre diet is often suggested for people who are experiencing difficult bowel motions and for some people temporarily in inflammatory bowel conditions.
After surgery some people can eat normal foods and have normal output from their stoma. However, some people experience loose bowel motions or constipation. The low fibre diet is often suggested for people with a stoma who are experiencing difficult bowel motions and for some people temporarily after a stoma reversal.
After you have been on a low fibre diet for a while you may find that you need to increase your fibre intake. As your symptoms improve and your bowel motions normalise you may be able to start reintroducing some of your favourite foods. Do this slowly and so you can identify any foods that cause bowel upset.
After you have been on a medium fibre diet for a while you may find that you need to increase your fibre intake. As your symptoms improve and your bowel motions normalise you may be able to start reintroducing some high fibre foods. Do this slowly so you can identify any foods that cause bowel upset.
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