Treatment

In most cases there are a number of ways of treating bowel cancer.

These treatments include:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiation treatment
• monoclonal antibodies.

Most people will have surgery. Some people receive a combination of two or more treatments. The treatment depends upon the size of the cancer, its location and whether it has spread. Your general health and your wishes are also important in the decision making. Our list of questions may help you discuss your treatment with your doctor. In some cases you may want to seek a second opinion.

Your treatment team

You will be cared for by one or more of a team of health professionals including:

• your family doctor, who will often be the first person you see
• surgeons, who specialise in surgery
• medical oncologists, doctors who are responsible for chemotherapy and other aspects of cancer care
• radiation oncologists, doctors who specialise in the use of radiation treatment
• radiation therapists, people who prepare you and give you your radiation treatment
• oncology nurses and/or colorectal nurse specialists, who will help you through all stages of your cancer treatment
• stomal therapists, who will assist you if you have a stoma bag (colostomy or ileostomy) (see the section on managing your stoma for further information)
• dieticians, who will recommend the most suitable foods to eat
• social workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who will advise you on the support services that are available and help you get back to normal activities.

“I’m the type of person to ask questions, they [the team] were really kind - not patronising ‘kind’. They were very patient explaining to me.” Silei

Other tests

You may have the following tests before or after surgery:

• chest X-ray
• CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound.

These can examine parts of your body, such as the liver, chest and abdomen. Ask the medical staff if it is appropriate for your partner or friend to stay with you when the tests are carried out.