Which treatment for bowel cancer
This page tells you about how your doctor plans your treatment and outlines the main treatments for bowel cancer. There is information on
Which treatment for bowel cancer?
When planning your treatment, your specialist will take into account the type and size of the cancer, whether it has spread (the stage), and what the cancer cells look like under the microscope. He or she will also consider your age and general health.
Second opinions
Some people feel they would like an opinion from a second doctor before they decide about their treatment. If you would like a second opinion, you can ask your specialist or your GP.
The main treatments
Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer in eight out of ten patients. You may have chemotherapy or radiotherapy as well as an operation.
There are a number of factors that your specialist takes into account to plan your treatment
- The type and size of the cancer
- Your general health
- Your age
- Whether the cancer has spread (the stage)
- What the cancer cells look like under the microscope (the grade)
You may find other people you meet are having different treatment from you. This may be because some of the factors above are different. Or it may be because their doctor has different views to yours. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse any questions you have about your treatment.
It often helps to write down a list of questions you want to ask. You could also take a close friend or relative with you when you go to see the doctor - they can help you remember what was said.
Some people feel they would like to get an opinion from a second doctor before they decide on their treatment. If you would like a second opinion, you can ask your specialist or your GP. It can be better to arrange a second opinion through your specialist because then all your notes and test results can be sent with you.
Some organisations provide information about the choice of treatment available. Or they can put you in touch with cancer support groups where you can talk to other people who have been through similar experiences to your own.
Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer in eight out of ten patients (80%). You may have chemotherapy or radiotherapy as well as an operation. There is more information about treatments for bowel cancer in this section of CancerHelp UK.
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