Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 25 No. 5 2002
New treatments for colorectal cancer
One of the commonest cancers in Australia is cancer of the large bowel. The cancer is often large before it causes any symptoms. By the time it is found the cancer may have spread from the bowel. This makes treatment difficult. Only 5% of patients will survive for five years once the cancer has spread to their liver or their lungs.
Treating the patient with anticancer medicines (chemotherapy) has improved survival, but not a lot. There are, however, some new medicines which may help to improve survival or reduce side effects. More than one medicine may be used at a time to try and increase the patient's chances.
Over 90% of people will survive for more than five years if bowel cancer is treated when it is small. Bleeding from the bowel or a change in how often someone has a bowel motion may be symptoms of cancer. People, particularly those over 40 years old, should tell their doctor if they have these symptoms.
