Treatment for Colorectal & Bowel Cancer
Colorectal cancer affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.
Screening can help diagnose colorectal cancer as early as possible, and in some cases detect cancer before you start to display symptoms. Early detection means treatment is likely to be more effective.
Types of colorectal cancer
Bowel cancer
Anal cancer
Facing colorectal cancer together
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What are the symptoms of colorectal/bowel cancer? icon plus
Common colorectal cancer symptoms can include:
- bleeding from your rectum and/or blood in your stool
- a change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more
- unexplained weight loss
- pain or abdominal cramps
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Screening and diagnosis icon plus
If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer we can provide you with an initial screen or further diagnostic tests such as:
- flexible sigmoidoscopy
- colonoscopy
- virtual colonoscopy (CT colonoscopy)
- barium enema
- CT / Ultrasound scans
- blood tests
If colorectal cancer is diagnosed, we will provide personalised cancer care with rapid access to the latest technology and treatments. For patients wanting to explore a second opinion we offer access to leading consultants in all areas of cancer specialties.
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What treatment is available for colorectal/bowel cancer? icon plus
We work together to create the right treatment for you. We discuss options such as:
- colorectal surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- clinical trials
- immunotherapy
- other types of anti-cancer therapies
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Supportive care for people diagnosed with cancer icon plus
Your physical and emotional wellbeing is important to us. We provide a range of supportive therapies designed to help prevent, alleviate or manage the effects of colorectal cancer and the treatments we provide.
These include:
- complementary therapies such as massage and reiki
- dietetic support
- symptom control
- physiotherapy
- psychological support for you and your family
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Living with and beyond cancer icon plus
We know that after cancer treatment, you may need help getting back to normal life, so we offer expert advice and support. We run dedicated programmes focused on physical, psychological and practical concerns that may arise from a diagnosis of cancer and associated treatment.
Our colorectal and bowel cancer consultants
We also offer a full range of professional holistic services for those living with and beyond cancer.





Episode 9 - Getting to know your bowels
“If you want a good healthy bowel, you need to have a good healthy diet. What goes in comes out. It's as easy and as basic as that.”
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
As Anna finds out from Colin and Daren, while common conditions such as constipation and IBS provide rather different lavatory experiences, simple lifestyle and dietary changes can greatly improve the motion of our stools – not to mention reduce the risk of bowel cancer by up to 50 per cent. Bran for breakfast has never sounded more appealing!
Listen now
Our locations
From complex colorectal surgery to diagnostic tests, scans and procedures, we provide exceptional cancer care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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HCA UK at University College Hospital
5th floor, UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre
Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way
London WC1E 6AG
Contact our experienced cancer team
Any questions about our cancer services or treatment? We're happy to advise you or help you book an appointment in London or Manchester with a cancer specialist consultant.
Call us on
020 7079 4344