Bowel Cancer

The bowel connects the stomach to the anus. It is divided into two parts: the small bowel (also known as the small intestine) and the large bowel (or the large intestine). The small bowel is 3-5 metres in length, and is where most nutrients are absorbed. The large bowel is about 1 metre in length and is made up of the colon and the rectum. The colon finishes absorbing water and electrolytes. The bowel contents are then stored in the rectum until being passed out as faeces.

Nearly all bowel cancers arise in the large bowel, and small bowel cancer is rare. Most bowel cancers develop from small benign growths, called polyps, on the inside lining of the bowel. Not all polyps become cancerous, and the risk of developing cancer in a polyp depends on the type of polyp and its size. A colonoscopy, a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is passed through the anus and around the bowel, can detect and remove polyps to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

About 5% of bowel cancers occur as a result of changes in genes that are passed on from one generation to the next (familial bowel cancer). Familial bowel cancer can be diagnosed by special tests to detect these gene changes, and is more common in young patients and those with a strong family history of cancer. Special counselling is available for people with a diagnosis of familial bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is usually diagnosed by colonoscopy. Biopsies can be taken and polyps can also be removed during colonoscopies. Radiology tests can be used to diagnose bowel cancer, including barium enema and a special type of CT scan called CT colonography.

Treatment

Surgery to remove the affected part of the bowel is the main treatment for bowel cancer. Additional treatment with chemotherapy is sometimes required, depending on the stage of the cancer. Radiotherapy is sometimes used in addition to surgery and chemotherapy to treat rectal cancer.

The prognosis of bowel cancer depends on the stage. The stage is determined by scans and by examination of the bowel removed at surgery. Patients with stage 1 and 2 bowel cancer have a good chance of being cured with surgery alone. At least half of stage 3 patients can be cured with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The prognosis for stage 4 bowel cancer depends on the circumstances. In the best circumstances cure may still be possible.

Stage 1 cancer: The cancer is confined to the lining of the bowel and there is no sign of spreading elsewhere. These cancers are treated with surgery alone and there is a high chance of cure.

Stage 2 cancer: The cancer has penetrated into the deeper layers of the bowel wall, but has not spread to the lymph glands or elsewhere. Stage 2 cancer is usually treated by surgery alone, but chemotherapy may be advised in particular circumstances to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. These circumstances include bowel blockage or bowel perforation, or particular features of the tumour that the pathologist looks for under the microscope.

Stage 3 cancer: Cancer cells have been detected in the lymph glands that were removed with the bowel at the time of surgery. Stage 3 bowel cancer has a higher chance of coming back, and chemotherapy can reduce the risk of the cancer returning. It is therefore treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy. The treatment of rectal cancer differs in some ways from the treatment of colon cancer. Radiotherapy is often used prior to surgery in rectal cancer to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in the pelvis. The radiotherapy is usually given, in combination with chemotherapy, prior to surgery. Because the rectum is the very lowest part of the bowel, some patients with rectal cancer will also need a stoma (bag). This is usually temporary, but sometimes it is permanent.

Stage 4 cancer: The cancer has spread to other organs or tissues. It can spread inside the abdomen or to other parts of the body. This type of spread is called metastasis or secondary spread. The liver is the most common organ affected. Stage 4 disease can sometimes be cured by surgery, usually in combination with chemotherapy. However, it is often not possible to cure stage 4 colon cancer. If this is the case, treatment may be able to control the cancer for some time. Treatment may also reduce symptoms and help provide a better quality of life.

Symptoms

Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) without any obvious reason. Or if you have other symptoms such as straining, soreness, lumps and itchiness
A persistent change in bowel habit going to the toilet more often or experiencing looser stools for several weeks
Abdominal pain especially if severe
Any lumps or mass in your tummy
Weight loss and tiredness (a symptom of anaemia)

NZ statistics

Bowel cancer also called colorectal cancer, is the most common type of gut cancer. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world with over 3,403 new cases diagnosed each year. Of these, small intestinal cancer is not as common, with just over 191 cases diagnosed each year. Anal cancer is also rare, with around 107 new diagnoses a year.

Useful websites & Patient Support

Bowel Cancer NZ

Our friends at Bowel Cancer NZ provide a comprehensive set of resources for patients and families affected by bowel cancer. They also have a registered nurse available by phone on 0800 BCNZ NURSE (0800 226 968) or through their website chatbot Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm and also by email. The BCNZ nurse will be able to answer questions about the effects of various treatments, explain bowel cancer terminology, and provide support, information, and contacts for other services.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBSP)

Bowel screening will be offered every two years to men and women aged 60-74 who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare. When it is your turn to be screened, you will receive an invitation letter, a consent form, and a free bowel screening kit. Invitations are sent within two years of the programme starting in your area. Visit the NBSP website - Time to Screen NZ - for more information about the screening programme in your area or visit the Bowel Cancer NZ website for more information.

Bowel Cancer Foundation Trust

Bowel Cancer Foundation Trust provides screening, rehabilitation and helps with treatment for those who do not qualify in the public system to detect bowel cancer early and help save lives.