Understanding Bowel Cancer

This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer). Many people feel shocked and upset when told they have bowel cancer. We hope this booklet will help you, your family and friends understand how bowel cancer is diagnosed and treated. We also include information about support services.

We cannot give advice about the best treatment for you. You need to discuss this with your doctors. However, we hope this information will answer some of your questions and help you think about what to ask your treatment team.

This booklet does not need to be read from cover to cover - just read the parts that are useful to you. Some medical terms that may be unfamiliar are explained in the glossary. You may also like to pass this booklet to your family and friends for their information.