Bowel Cancer Appeal
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New Zealand has the highest bowel cancer rate in the world. Bowel Cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths.
In 2005, 2716 new cases were diagnosed in New Zealand and there were 1222 deaths. (source: New Zealand Health Information Service 2005)
In New Zealand, around 22 people die each week from bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer has a high mortality rate if detected late. Early detection, however, can greatly reduce the incidence of death.
There is a lack of awareness about bowel cancer in the community. Preliminary research conducted by the Cancer Research Charitable Trust shows that as few as 18% of people surveyed knew the disease had the second highest rate of incidence.
Diet and exercise are the main preventative measures against bowel cancer. Five or more servings each day of fruit and vegetables, as well as adequate calcium, wholegrain cereals and wheat bran should be included in a "healthy bowel" diet.
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel, cancer, also known as colon or colorectal cancer, develops in the colon and/or rectum. It is caused by defective cells multiplying and creating small lumps or polyps in the lining of the bowel. In many cases these polyps are benign, however in some cases they become cancerous. It is believed that around 30% of the population will develop these polyps, of which around 5% will develop bowel cancer.
What causes bowel cancer?
Nobody is certain of the exact causes of bowel cancer, however, it is believed that lifestyle and environmental factors such as a high fat, low fibre diet and a lack of physical activity can contribute to the disease. Polyps on the bowel, even if initially benign, can become malignant and lead to cancer.
Who is at risk of developing bowel cancer?
Age and heredity are the two major risk factors for bowel cancer. The risk increases after the age of 50. While it is unusual for people under 45 to get bowel cancer, it can affect younger people. A person with close relatives who have had bowel cancer has an increased chance of developing the disease.
Should I have a check for bowel cancer even if I don't have any symptoms?
Authorities recommend a digital rectal examination as part of a regular physical check-up,
regardless of whether or not symptoms are present, particularly if there is a family history
of the disease. From age 40, a yearly faecal occult blood test is recommended. Bowel cancer-related
bleeding may not be visible and this test enables doctors to determine conclusively if there is blood
in the stool. From age 50, a sigmoidoscopy is recommended every 3 to 5 years.
What are Complementary therapies?
Complementary therapies are those used alongside medical treatments such as after Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy.
A number have shown to be beneficial and improve the quality of life and reduce pain. Unfortunately, each person may react differently
to the diverse types available. They have not been proven to cure or prevent cancer and some types may even have adverse side effects
or negate medical treatments. It is important to consult with your medical staff before making a decision to use complementary therapies.
What is a Barium Enema?
A Barium Enema is a procedure used to examine the lining of the colon and rectum. Barium refers to the barium sulfate, a chalky
chemical that appears white on X-ray film. Enema refers to any fluid pumped into the rectum through the anus. After the barium
sulfate liquid makes its way to your intestines, a series of X-ray pictures are taken. In these X-rays, the white barium fluid
allows some abnormalities in the lining of the intestines to appear dark. The procedure is done as an outpatient at a hospital
and takes less than an hour.
A Barium Enema is used to check for tumors of the colon and rectum. It also can also be used to check for polyps.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A Colonoscopy is a common procedure that allows examination of the large bowel (colon) by the means of a colonoscope.
It is possible to investigate the whole colon up to and including the caecum and even the ileum (at the end of the small intestine).
Colonoscopy is important in surveillance of possible colorectal cancers.
Colonoscopy uses a flexible, tubular instrument that has a special light at its end and equipment channel in the centre.
The colonoscope is inserted via the rectum after the patient is given a sedative injection or a light anaesthetic.Colonoscopy is commonly used for
the removal of polyps to prevent the development of malignancy. Most polyps can be burnt off by placing a wire snare around the base and applying
an electric current. If necessary, small samples, or biopsies, of the bowel can be taken for examination.
The outpatient is given a special diet and laxatives two days prior and may eat nothing six hours prior to the procedure. The procedure takes
around one hour to complete. The outpatient is kept in for a further two hours for observation.
What is a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)?
A DRE is conducted to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower stomach. During the examination,
a health professional gently puts a lubricated, gloved finger of one hand in the rectum. The other hand may be used to apply
pressure to the lower stomach or pelvic area.
The DRE is done to help find the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding (blood in stool), stomach or pelvic pain,
or a change in bowel habits. It is used to collect a stool sample to test for blood in the stool. It is also done to
check for growths, such as cancer, in the rectum.
DRE alone is not used to diagnose colorectal cancer. .
What is Sigmoidoscopy?
A sigmoidoscopy is a technique of directly visualizing the lower part of the bowel, rectum and the sigmoid colon in order to see abnormalities.
Sigmoidoscopy is performed without an anaesthetic and whilst the patient is awake. The rigid sigmoidoscope is a narrow, straight metal or plastic tube with a
light source attached, which enables the examining doctor to look inside the bowel at its inside surface. The flexible sigmoidoscope allows the same examination,
but uses fibre-optic technology in a device that can be manipulated to look in different directions. In both cases air is gently pumped into the rectum.
A sigmoidoscopy is performed for rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhoea - especially with blood and mucus, weight loss, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation
of the bowels. These symptoms may indicate an infection or inflammation of the colon, or even a tumour of the rectum or sigmoid colon. Bleeding may also
be from a less serious cause such as a polyp, or from dilated fragile blood vessels.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the term used for any treatment involving the use of chemical anti-cancer drugs to stop cancer cells from growing.
In most treatments a number of drugs may be given at the same time. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer.
Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery or radiation therapy or together with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be administered through a vein, injected into a
body cavity, or orally (mouth) in the form of a pill. Chemotherapy can be given for a few days or a few weeks, for a period of months or a long term basis depending
on the nature of diagnosis and the person's ability to respond to treatment.
In most circumstances chemotherapy should not cause any discomfort, however some medications can cause a burning sensation in the veins. It is important to
keep in immediate contact with the chemotherapy staff if there is any pain, burning, redness or tenderness in the body or over the injection site.
Chemotherapy is given to cure cancer, reduce the chance of cancer returning or to shrink a cancer prior to primary treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
If a cure is not possible, it can also be used to shrink cancer to reduce the symptoms and ultimately prolong the quality of life.
Chemotherapy can cause a number of different side effects which are often temporary and can usually be treated by other medications. These include; fatigue, nausea,
vomiting, hair loss, diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores or ulcers, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, increased risk of infection, increased risk of bruising,
dry or tired eyes, skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Chemotherapy may include time away from family and friends, uncomfortable side effects or long-term complications. Chemotherapy may be inconvenient,
prolonged, or unavailable close to home. These are important considerations when evaluating treatment options.
Cancer & Bowel Research Trust provides private and dignified Patient Accommodation for persons living outside 100km from the metropolitan hospital they must travel to.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, also commonly known as radiotherapy, uses x-rays to destroy or injure cancer cells so they cannot multiply. Radiation therapy can
be used to treat the primary cancer or advanced cancer. It may be the only treatment used or in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery.
Radiation therapy is used to cure, maintain the cancer or bring relief of the symptoms.
Radiation therapy is given by a radiation oncologist who is a specialist treating cancer with radiation therapy. The oncologist will supervise the treatment via radiation therapy machines operated by a trained therapist.
Radiation therapy is given internally (bracytherapy) or externally (beam). In internal radiation therapy, thin tubes are filled with radioactive
material and placed in your body or close to the cancer. In external radiation therapy, radiation is directed by a machine towards the cancer and surrounding tissue.
External radiation therapy can last anywhere from one day to five days a week for a number of weeks. In most circumstances external radiation therapy will not hurt,
you will only here a buzzing sound when the machine is on. You will not become radioactive.
Internal radiation therapy can last anywhere from a number of minutes, one to five days or permanently. In most circumstances
internal radiation therapy you will not feel ill or have any major pain, just mild discomfort from the implant. It may send radiation
outside your body and there will be limits to visits during this therapy.
Radiation therapy can cause a number of different side effects which are often temporary and can gradually disappear once
treatment has been completed. These include; fatigue, nausea, dry red or itchy skin, digestive problems, dry or sore throat or mouth, swelling, coughing or shortness of breath.
Radiation therapy may include time away from family and friends, uncomfortable side effects or long-term complications.
Radiation therapy may be inconvenient, prolonged, or unavailable close to home. These are important considerations when evaluating treatment options.
Cancer & Bowel Research Trust provides private and dignified Patient Accommodation for persons living outside 100km from the metropolitan hospital they must travel to.
What is Surgery?
Surgery is performed on bowel cancer after diagnosis has been made conclusively. It is the most common treatment which can completely cure the person
of bowel cancer if detected early. In some instances there is no need for additional radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Surgery involves removing the cancer and any surrounding tissue that may be affected by it to ensure no cancer is left behind. It is most common that after
treatment the bowel can be joined together again to restore normal function. In some instances the bowel cannot be rejoined, hence an artificial opening (colostomy)
is made in the wall of the abdomen to allow faecal waste to pass through it. After surgery and sufficient time a temporary colostomy can be reversed and normal
function is regained. Only a small percentage of persons may need a permanent colostomy for the future.
Surgery to the bowel will require a stay of anywhere up to 10 days in hospital. This will then follow by a recovery of up to 6 weeks at home.
If the tumour is large and has spread to lymph nodes the hospital may recommend further treatment. A combination of radiation therapy and
chemotherapy will help maintain the cancer or achieve full recovery.
What is an FOBT?
An FOBT (faecal occult blood test) is a simple, do it yourself, test kit. It involves taking 2 or 3 separate bowel motions (faeces) in the comfort of your home.
Once these samples have been taken they are then sent to a laboratory for testing.
The FOBT analyst is looking for small traces of blood in the bowel motion. Blood can be an early sign of bowel cancer or a polyp, which is a
growth on the inside of the bowel which can develop into cancer. If blood is found, further tests will be ordered to investigate the nature of the bleeding.
Persons who are over the age of 40 with a family history or people over the age of 50 without symptoms and with a family history of bowel cancer are encouraged to do an FOBT every 2 years.
