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Bowel (colorectal)
Colorectal cancer (or bowel cancer) is a general name for one of the more common groups of cancers. These are:
- cancer of the colon, which is the longest part of the large bowel (the lower part of the digestive system, which links the small intestine to the rectum)
- cancer of the rectum (also known as the ‘back passage’; the rectum is the part of the large bowel just above the anus)
- cancer of the anus.
About two-thirds of colorectal cancers are colon cancers, which are common in both men and women, and most of the rest are rectal cancers, which are more common in men. Anal cancers are very rare.
Colorectal cancer can often be treated successfully, particularly if the cancer is diagnosed and treated early.
Treatment for colorectal cancer is usually offered within your local hospital. You may also be offered Radiotherapy.