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ALL / Gastroenterology
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the UK and the second most cause of cancer deaths. Annually there are about 150,000 new cases diagnosed and 50,000 deaths from the disease.Presenting features of colorectal cancer include:
- Change in bowel habits: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience a change in their bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between the two. They may also feel the need to have a bowel movement more frequently than usual.
- Rectal bleeding: Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding is a common symptom of colorectal cancer. The blood may be bright red or melena.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort. This may be due to the tumour obstructing the bowel or causing inflammation.
- Unexplained weight loss: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience unexplained weight loss, which can be a sign of advanced disease.
- Anaemia: Chronic bleeding from the tumour can lead to anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Bowel obstruction: In advanced cases, the tumour can completely obstruct the bowel, causing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Location of cancer (averages)
- rectal: 40%
- sigmoid: 30%
- descending colon: 5%
- transverse colon: 10%
- ascending colon and caecum: 15%
+PassMedicine Notes
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the UK and the second most cause of cancer deaths. Annually there are about 150,000 new cases diagnosed and 50,000 deaths from the disease.
Presenting features of colorectal cancer include:- Change in bowel habits: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience a change in their bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between the two. They may also feel the need to have a bowel movement more frequently than usual.
- Rectal bleeding: Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding is a common symptom of colorectal cancer. The blood may be bright red or melena.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort. This may be due to the tumour obstructing the bowel or causing inflammation.
- Unexplained weight loss: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience unexplained weight loss, which can be a sign of advanced disease.
- Anaemia: Chronic bleeding from the tumour can lead to anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Bowel obstruction: In advanced cases, the tumour can completely obstruct the bowel, causing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- rectal: 40%
- sigmoid: 30%
- descending colon: 5%
- transverse colon: 10%
- ascending colon and caecum: 15%
