Bowel cancer: the signs you should not ignore

What is bowel cancer and who is most at risk?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the lining of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.

While the risk increases with age, bowel cancer can affect people of any age. Rates in people under 50 have increased in recent years, highlighting the importance of awareness across all age groups.

Several factors may increase the risk of developing bowel cancer, including:

• Being aged 50 years or older
• A family history of bowel cancer or bowel polyps
• A diet high in red or processed meats
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Being overweight or physically inactive
• Inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, or a personal history of bowel cancer or polyps

Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop bowel cancer. It may, however, indicate a need to discuss screening and monitoring options with a medical practitioner.

Signs and symptoms of bowel cancer

Symptoms of bowel cancer can be similar to those of other conditions and may be overlooked.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, medical advice should be sought.

Symptoms that may require further investigation include:

• blood in the stool
• persistent changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation or narrower stools
• ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, cramping or rectal discomfort
• unexplained weight loss
• ongoing fatigue or weakness

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate bowel cancer. However, they are generally expected to be assessed and investigated where clinically appropriate.

How is bowel cancer diagnosed?

Because bowel cancer may develop without early symptoms, screening plays an important role in detection.

Diagnostic investigations may include:

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (iFOBT)

Australians aged 45 to 74 may be eligible for a free at-home immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) every two years under the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Colonoscopy and biopsy

A colonoscopy allows a specialist to examine the bowel and take tissue samples to confirm or exclude cancer.

Medical imaging

CT, MRI and PET scans may be used to determine whether cancer is present and whether it has spread.

Blood tests

Blood tests may assist in identifying anaemia, assessing liver function, and monitoring overall health.

What are the treatment options for bowel cancer?

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment depends on the cancer's stage and location.

Treatment may include:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• targeted therapies
• immunotherapy
• ongoing surveillance and follow-up care

Some treatment options may make it difficult to continue working in your current occupation. If you have been diagnosed with bowel cancer or are undergoing treatment, you may be eligible for income protection or super insurance.

How can you help protect yourself?

While not all cases of bowel cancer can be prevented, some steps may support early detection.

1. Do not ignore persistent symptoms

If symptoms do not resolve, medical advice should be sought.

2. Complete your screening test

Eligible individuals should complete the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program test when received.

3. Know your family history

A family history of bowel cancer may indicate the need for earlier or more frequent screening.

When may delayed diagnosis amount to medical negligence?

Not all delayed diagnoses or adverse outcomes indicate substandard care.

However, concerns may arise where care falls below an acceptable professional standard.

This may include:

• symptoms being dismissed without appropriate investigation
• failure to follow up a positive screening result
• delay in referral for specialist review or colonoscopy
• misinterpretation of imaging, pathology or biopsy results
• inadequate follow-up advice being provided
• failure to investigate symptoms in younger patients based on age alone

A delay in diagnosis may allow bowel cancer to progress from an early stage to advanced or metastatic disease. This may result in more complex treatment, reduced treatment options, and a poorer long-term prognosis.

We’re here to help

When bowel cancer is detected early, outcomes are often more favourable. Where warning signs are not appropriately investigated or where there are delays in diagnosis or treatment, the consequences can be significant for patients and their families.

If you are concerned that a delay in diagnosis or failure to investigate bowel cancer has resulted in harm, our experienced medical negligence team can review your circumstances and provide clear guidance on your options.

Contact us for a free, confidential, and no-obligation discussion.