AUSTRALIAN GASTROENTEROLOGY INSTITUTE
(educational
arm of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia)
Website: www.gesa.org.au
... Copies reviewed January 2006
RECTAL BLEEDING
Introduction
Australia has one of the highest incidence rates
for bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) in the world. Bowel cancer is
the most common internal cancer in Australia. Over 9,000 Australians will be
diagnosed as having bowel cancer in the next 12 months and 4.500 will die from
the disease. Bowel cancer mainly affects people in middle or old age, and is
uncommon under 40 years of age. Early detection of bowel cancer leads to cure in
the majority of patients.
(Insert from NEVDGP: .. see also -
occult blood testing (order kit)
www.enterix.com.au )
Message?
Blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel motion may
be due to bowel cancer. If you are over 40 years of age, you should look for
blood in the toilet bowl and on the toilet paper after each bowel motion.
If you see blood in the toilet bowl, mixed with the bowel motion, or on the
paper, consult your doctor.
In most instances, blood is due to a non-serious and readily treatable cause
such as haemorrhoids (piles).
Occasionally it will be coming from a small wart-like polyp on the bowel lining.
As some of these polyps can develop into cancer over many years, they are best
removed. This can usually be done during colonoscopy, a tube examination of the
full length of the large bowel, without requiring surgery.
Examination of the lower part of the large bowel
(sigmoidoscopy)
is recommended for anyone over the age of 40 years who has rectal bleeding
(bleeding
from the back passage). Depending on the findings, further examination is
sometimes required, by colonoscopy or x-ray
(barium enema).
Treatment
Haemorrhoids often respond to modification of the
diet (increase in fibre content - cereal, fruit, wholemeal bread, etc.). If
bleeding from haemorrhoids is persistent, then simple treatment is available.
Operation is rarely needed these days. Polyps can usually be removed at
colonoscopy without major surgery. Bowel cancer, if detected early, is
completely curable in most instances.
IF YOU NOTICE BLEEDING FROM THE BOWEL, BE SENSIBLE, SEEK
HELP.
Further information:
from NHMRC (
Date endorsed by NHMRC Feb, 2000 )
Guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal
cancer: A
guide for patients, their families and friends (714KB) or selected extracts
Other Bowel
Cancer Resources
(includes bowel screening project
11/2002)
.
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