Summary

• Bowel cancer refers to a cancer anywhere in the large bowel, including the rectum and anus.
• Risk factors for bowel cancer include older age, drinking alcohol, smoking, not doing enough physical activity, family history, as well as some medical conditions.
• All Australians aged between 45 and 74 years are eligible for bowel cancer screening, but if you have risk factors, or symptoms such as blood in your poo, speak to your doctor.
• There are many different treatments options for bowel cancer including surgery, radiotherapy and medicines such as chemotherapy.
• The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 24 Feb 2024). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about bowel cancer.

Relevant Tests

If your doctor suspects you have bowel cancer, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Faecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Gene testing