Colorectal Cancer
Comprehensive care from screening and diagnosis to surgical treatment and surveillance
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Overview
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, affecting 1 in 15 Australians over their lifetime. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, and modern screening can identify many polyps before they become cancerous.
Diagnosis may include colonoscopy, CT or MRI imaging, and pathology of polyps or biopsy samples.
Common Symptoms
- Rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habit (diarrhoea or constipation)
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron deficiency or fatigue
Some patients have no symptoms, which is why screening is so important.
Treatment Options
- Small cancers or polyps may be removed during colonoscopy, often eliminating the lesion before it becomes invasive
- Larger or invasive cancers usually require bowel resection, preferably using minimally invasive robotic or laparoscopic techniques
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on stage and pathology
- Post-treatment surveillance with scheduled colonoscopy and imaging
Helpful Resource
Australian Cancer Council — Understanding Bowel Cancer Guide