Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. When it is found early it is often treatable, and surgery is usually central to that treatment.
Symptoms to take seriously
- Bleeding from the back passage or blood mixed with the stool
- A change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or iron deficiency anaemia
- Abdominal pain, bloating or a feeling of incomplete emptying
Diagnosis and staging
Diagnosis usually begins with a colonoscopy and biopsy. Scans are then used to work out the extent of the disease so that the treatment plan can be tailored to you.
Treatment
Treatment may combine surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Dr MacRobert has a special interest in locally advanced colonic and rectal malignancies, and treatment plans are made within a multidisciplinary team. See colorectal surgery for more on the operations involved.
Arrange a consultation
The rooms are at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Parktown, Johannesburg.
Related pages
The information on this page is educational and does not replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please discuss your own symptoms and treatment options with your doctor.