Additional treatments are often available to help you cope with the side effects better.Long-term side effects of radiotherapy can include:If you want to have children, it may be possible to store a sample of your sperm or eggs before treatment begins so they can be used in fertility treatments in the future.Chemotherapy for bowel cancer usually involves taking a combination of medications that kill cancer cells. The following organisations could also offer help or information:If you are told there is nothing more that can be done to treat your bowel cancer, your GP will still provide you with support and pain relief.
How do they know if it’s cancer? These may include shock, anxiety, relief, sadness and depression.Different people deal with serious problems in different ways. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles. Spotting cancer early means treatment is more likely to be successful (learn more about why early diagnosis is important) The list below highlights some of the key symptoms to be aware of. There is strong evidence to suggest regular exercise can lower the risk of developing bowel and other cancers.It is recommended adults exercise for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week.Being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing bowel cancer, so you should try to maintain a healthy weight if you want to lower your risk.You can find out if you are a healthy weight by using the Changes to your diet and an increase in your physical activity will help keep your weight under control.If you smoke, stopping can reduce your risk of developing bowel and other cancers.Your GP or pharmacist can also provide help, support and advice if you want to give up smoking.Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of developing bowel cancer, so you may be able to reduce your risk by cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink.If you drink most weeks, to reduce your risk of harming your health:Although screening cannot stop you getting bowel cancer, it can allow the condition to be detected at an earlier stage, when it is much easier to treat.As well as making lifestyle changes and keeping an eye out for possible Bowel screening is offered to men and women aged 50 to 74 across Scotland.
Your GP surgery will have information on these.Some people find it helpful to talk to others with bowel cancer at a local support group or through an internet chat room.The organisation also runs a national patient-to-patient network called Bowel Cancer Voices for people affected by bowel cancer and their relatives.Having cancer can cause a range of emotions. This is why When colorectal cancer is found early, before it has spread anywhere, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90%. The tests can be uncomfortable, and most people find an examination of the back passage a little embarrassing, but they take less than a minute.If your symptoms suggest you may have bowel cancer or the diagnosis is uncertain, you will be referred to your local hospital initially for a simple examination called a flexible sigmoidoscopy.To find out if you should be referred for further tests for suspected bowel cancer, read the NICE 2015 guidelines on A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of your rectum and some of your large bowel using a device called a sigmoidoscope.A sigmoidoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube attached to a very small camera and light. This is called palliative care. You may need to be referred to a dietitian for further advice.If you need a temporary or permanent stoma with an external bag or pouch, you may feel worried about how you look and how others will react to you.Information and advice about living with a stoma – including stoma care, stoma products and stoma-friendly diets – is available on the For those who want further information about living with a stoma, there are patient support groups that provide support for people who may have had, or are due to have a stoma.You can get more details from your stoma care nurse, or visit support groups online for further information.
These are outlined below.Low anterior resection is a procedure used to treat cases where the cancer is in the upper section of your rectum.The surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen and remove the upper section of your rectum, as well as some surrounding tissue to make sure any lymph glands containing cancer cells are also removed.They will then attach your colon to the lowest part of your rectum or upper part of the anal canal. Research. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. If the cancer is confined to the bowel, surgery will usually be able to completely remove it.Overall, 7 to 8 in every 10 people with bowel cancer will live at least one year after diagnosis. These tests also help your doctors decide on the most effective treatment for you.Once the above examinations and tests have been completed, it should be possible to determine the stage and grade of your cancer.Staging refers to how far your cancer has advanced.
White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue. Last updated: This is usually only a risk in the first few days after the operation.Another risk is for people having rectal cancer surgery.