Bowel cancer is also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer or colorectal cancer.
Cancer that starts in your colon is called colon cancer. Rectal cancer is cancer that starts in your rectum.
The 2 cancers are usually grouped together under the name bowel cancer. This is because the colon and rectum are parts of your large intestine (bowel).
Bowel cancer is 1 of the most common types of cancer in Ireland.
It is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women in Ireland.
Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60. But you can get bowel cancer at any age.
Symptoms of bowel cancer
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- tummy pain
- feeling a lump anywhere in your tummy
- bloating
- if you are losing weight for no reason
- feeling very tired for no reason
- breathlessness
You may have 1 or more symptoms.
When to seek medical advice
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you have any of these symptoms
Do this even if you have had a recent normal bowel screening result. Do not wait till your next screening.
Having these symptoms does not always mean you have bowel cancer.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding cancer early may mean it's easier to treat.
Urgent advice: Call a GP or out-of-hours GP immediately if:
- your poo is black or dark red
- you have bloody diarrhoea
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department if:
- you're bleeding non-stop
- there's a lot of blood - for example, you see large blood clots in the toilet
- you have tummy pain that comes and goes, can be severe, and happens after you eat
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- you cannot work due to the pain
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you from doing things like going to work
What happens at your GP appointment
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and if you have a family history of bowel cancer.
They may ask to do a simple examination of inside your bottom. This is known as a digital rectal examination.
This is where they put a gloved finger inside your bottom to check for any lumps. Most people find this a little embarrassing. But it takes less than a minute.
Your GP will also examine your tummy (abdomen). This is a useful way of checking if there are any lumps in your tummy or bottom.
Your GP may also check your blood for iron deficiency anaemia.
Most people with bowel cancer do not have symptoms of anaemia. But you may lack iron if you are bleeding.
Referral to a specialist
Your GP may refer you to hospital for further tests.
They will do this if your symptoms suggest you may have bowel cancer or if they are not certain.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
