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Rectal diseases

1-minute read

The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine where the body stores faeces (‘poo’).

Rectal problems include haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and incontinence. Cancer can affect the rectum. Pain or bleeding are signs that need medical attention. Treatments vary widely depending on the particular problem. Follow the links below to find trusted information about rectal diseases.

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Last reviewed: April 2022


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Bowel cancer: Overview - Cancer Council Victoria

Understand more about bowel cancer, including how common it is, risk factors, symptoms and having bowel cancer run in your family.

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Early detection of bowel cancer | Cancer Council

It is crucial that bowel cancer is detected early. Read our latest information on symptoms, screening and how to reduce the risk of bowel cancer

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Bowel cancer | NT.GOV.AU

Prevention, detection tests, symptoms and treatment for bowel cancer.

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Bowel cancer screening | Cancer Council

Regular bowel cancer screening using an FOBT kit can pick up pre-cancerous polyps. Find out more about tests to help diagnose bowel cancer.

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Bowel cancer | Cancer Institute NSW

Bowel cancers start in the bowel or intestines

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Bowel cancer screening

Once you turn 50 years of age, you are eligible for a free bowel screening test in the prevention of bowel cancer. The bowel cancer screening program describes what the test involves and at what future ages you are eligible for testing.

Read more on WA Health website

Bowel cancer - Better Health Channel

Bowel cancer is highly curable if found at an early stage.

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Bowel cancer screening - Better Health Channel

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers kits for free to Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age.

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Bowel cancer screening | Cancer Institute NSW

Australia has one of the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world—find out why screening is important and how you can take part in the bowel screening program.

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What are the symptoms of bowel cancer? | Cancer Australia

Bowel cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer. There are often no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Read more on Cancer Australia website

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