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are approximately 18,500 new cases of bowel cancer in the
UK each year. Nine out of 10 people who get it are over
50. This still means nearly 2000 men under 50 get it every
year - about five EVERY DAY.
With an early diagnosis it is
completely curable.
What is it?
The bowel contains the small bowel, and the large bowel,
which is divided into the colon and rectum. Basically, it
is the tubes that link your stomach to your arse. Cancer
occurs when cells lining the inside of the bowel are replaced
and this process of renewal goes wrong.
Be aware!
Being aware of the symptoms is important - and knowing what
to do if and when you experience one, or all of them. Even
if bowel cancer is diagnosed it does not mean it is life-threatening,
but it could be and therefore it needs to be investigated.
Being aware could save your life.
Check
it out
You may have discovered a lump in your stomach, or blood
in your stools. Check out the rest of the symptoms for bowel
cancer. If you are suffering from any of them it is vital
that you visit your GP as soon as possible. It may not be
bowel cancer. Your symptoms may be caused by piles, for
example. However, if you have bowel cancer, an early diagnosis
could save your life.
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Don't
be embarrassed
Don’t be afraid, shy or embarrassed. Your doctor is
used to dealing with all sorts of problems. Talking about
your symptoms, rather than sitting on them, is the way to
go. If further examinations are required your doctor will
advise you and organise a visit to a specialist.
Treatments
The main treatments are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
You will be informed of all the benefits and risks when
decisions are made about what treatment is best for you.
Any
questions?
Many men want to know if there is anything they can to do
reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. Many also want
to know whether any of the treatments will affect their
fertility, or whether they will make a full recovery. We
answer these and other frequently asked questions on this
site.
If you want more information, please contact
us.
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