Colostomy

A colostomy is surgery to bring part of the colon to the surface of the body to form an opening. Waste is collected using a bag called a stoma pouch.

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Hemicolectomy

A hemicolectomy is an operation where a section of the large intestine is removed. It is usually done to treat a condition such as bowel cancer.

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Bowel cancer (colon and rectal cancer)

Most bowel cancers develop from polyps, tiny growths in the colon or rectum. Removing polyps can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Bowel cancer - your diet after surgery

If you have had part of your colon removed, it is likely that your stools (faeces) will be looser because one of the functions of the colon is to absorb water from the stools. Find out about diet and bowel cancer.

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Surgery for diverticular disease

Diverticular disease of the colon can cause pain and other serious problems. Surgery to remove the affected part of your bowel should prevent your symptoms from coming back.

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Just diagnosed with bowel cancer

Trusted information on the next steps if you have been just diagnosed with bowel cancer, required tests and links to trusted resources.

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Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the anus to view the inside of the large bowel. It helps in diagnosing or treating some medical conditions.

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Bowel cancer in young people on the rise — here’s what to look out for

Bowel cancer more commonly occurs in older people, while rates of the deadly disease in younger people are going up. But whatever your age, it's important to know the warning signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Bowel cancer screening

Bowel cancer screening is important for early detection. A national screening process is in place called the faecal occult blood test (FOBT).

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What causes bowel cancer?

Age and diet can contribute to the development of bowel cancer. Find out the causes of bowel cancer.

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Bowel cancer symptoms

Bowel cancer can develop with few, if any, early warning symptoms. Find out what the symptoms for bowel cancer are.

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Gastrointestinal illnesses

Gastrointestinal illnesses are very common. Some may last for only a day or two; others are long term. Learn here about their causes, symptoms and treatments.

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Bowel cancer – a personal story

Being diagnosed with bowel cancer can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Listening to others who have experienced similar situations is often reassuring and can be helpful. This video interview has been sourced from healthtalk.org, award-winning research into patient experiences in conjunction with the Health Experience Research Group at Oxford University, UK.

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Bowel cancer prevention

It is believed that eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly could prevent 66-75% of bowel cancer cases. Find out about bowel cancer prevention.

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Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome, formerly known as HNPCC, is a genetic condition that increases the risk of a person developing some cancers, such as bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Bowel cancer treatment

The type of treatment you have will depend on whether or not the cancer has spread or is at risk of spreading. Find out the treatments for bowel cancer.

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Get behind bowel cancer screening

Free bowel cancer screening test kits are being sent to Australians aged from 50 to 74. Bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers – if detected early on.

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Bowel cancer diagnosis

Bowel cancer can develop without any early warning signs. Find out how bowel cancer is diagnosed.

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Stool tests

Stool tests are commonly used to check for possible bowel cancer and to look for causes of gastrointestinal illness. You can find out more about stool tests by reading our trusted sources.

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Flatulence

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

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Living with bowel cancer

Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask your doctor or treatment team when discussing practical support during treatment for bowel cancer. Find out how to manage with bowel cancer.

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Low FODMAP diets

A low FODMAP diet reduces or removes certain foods to cut down on specific sugar types and avoid tummy pain and discomfort. Learn more about FODMAPs here.

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Bloating

Bloating – feeling that you have a swollen tummy – is common, but if you feel bloated regularly, you should see your doctor. Learn more about the causes here.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS develops in as many as one in five Australians at some point in their lifetime. Here are the symptoms to look out for.

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Polyps

A polyp is a growth on an organ in your body. Most polyps are benign but some are or might become malignant. Learn more about the cause and symptoms of polyps as well as prevention tips.

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Intestinal diseases

Links to trusted information about intestinal diseases.

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Rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding that does not occur at the same time as a bowel movement should be investigated by a health professional. Learn more about rectal bleeding here.

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Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes inflammation and redness in the digestive tract. There is no cure, but treatment can help.

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Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with the lower part of your large bowel.

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Closure of loop colostomy

Surgery to join the two ends of your large bowel back together should allow you to open your bowels in the normal way. You will no longer need a stoma bag.

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