Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer

Cancer of the large bowel or rectum. Finding it early through symptoms or screening greatly improves outcomes.

CancerLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Blood in stool, change in bowel habit, tummy pain, weight loss, tiredness and anaemia.

Common Treatments

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending on stage.

Risk Factors

Age over 50, family history, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, red and processed meat, obesity, smoking and alcohol.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Most bowel cancers start as polyps that slowly turn into cancer. Removing polyps prevents cancer.

Rates are rising in India's cities. New bowel symptoms should be checked, not assumed to be piles.

Symptoms

Blood in stool

Or dark stools.

Change in bowel habit

Lasting several weeks.

Tummy pain

Or a lump.

Tiredness

From anaemia.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Genetic changes in bowel cells, often starting in polyps.

Key Risk Factors

  • Age Most cases over 50.
  • Family history And inherited syndromes.
  • Lifestyle Low fibre, red meat, obesity, smoking.

Management & Treatment

01. Surgery

Removing part of the bowel.

02. Chemotherapy

Before or after surgery.

03. Radiotherapy

Especially for rectal cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are piles the cause of my bleeding?
Maybe, but bleeding should be checked.
How is it detected?
With colonoscopy and stool tests.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.