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Cancer News

The latest news, analysis and opinion from Cancer Research UK

Bowel (colorectal) cancer

Around 43,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year. Also known as colorectal cancer, bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK.

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include a change in your normal bowel habit – such as pooing more often, looser poo or constipation – or blood in your poo.

Showing 12 out of 334 results
A illustration of T cells, a type of immune cell attacking cancer

If we’re to reduce the risk of bowel cancer in people with IBD, we’re going to have to find a more effective treatment. And we may have done just that.  If we’re to reduce the risk of bowel cancer in people with IBD, we’re going to have to find a more effective treatment. And we may have done just that. 

by Jacob Smith | Analysis | 23 August 2022

23 August 2022

The faecal immunochemical test kit used for bowel cancer screening in the UK

If we can find interventions that help to increase participation in screening programmes amongst lower income groups, we may be able to reduce the health inequalities that exist in bowel cancer outcomes.   If we can find interventions that help to increase participation in screening programmes amongst lower income groups, we may be able to reduce the health inequalities that exist in bowel cancer outcomes.  

by Jacob Smith | Analysis | 5 July 2022

5 July 2022

Dame Deborah James, also know as BowelBabe

Last night, Dame Deborah James’s family announced that she passed away peacefully at home, after living with bowel cancer since 2016. Last night, Dame Deborah James’s family announced that she passed away peacefully at home, after living with bowel cancer since 2016.

by Cancer Research UK | News | 29 June 2022

29 June 2022

Dame Deborah James

Since she was diagnosed in 2016, Dame Deborah James has brought bowel cancer into the spotlight, encouraged people to be aware of the symptoms and seek help if they notice them.  Since she was diagnosed in 2016, Dame Deborah James has brought bowel cancer into the spotlight, encouraged people to be aware of the symptoms and seek help if they notice them. 

by Jacob Smith | Analysis | 24 May 2022

24 May 2022

A photograph of gut bacteria.

Our researchers across the world are investigating a potential link between bowel cancer and the microbiome, and the potential role antibiotics might play. Our researchers across the world are investigating a potential link between bowel cancer and the microbiome, and the potential role antibiotics might play.

by Lilly Matson | In depth | 15 March 2022

15 March 2022

Vivian Li, group leader of the stem cell and cancer biology lab at the Francis Crick Institute

Disrupted cell signalling, hijacked stem cells and the power of 'mini-guts' – we hear from Dr Vivian Li on the challenges and opportunities of developing colorectal cancer treatments. Disrupted cell signalling, hijacked stem cells and the power of 'mini-guts' – we hear from Dr Vivian Li on the challenges and opportunities of developing colorectal cancer treatments.

by Phil Prime | In depth | 11 February 2022

11 February 2022

Bowel cancer cells under a microscope

People who have previously been treated for a type of bowel cancer that has spread to other parts of their body will now have another treatment option in England. People who have previously been treated for a type of bowel cancer that has spread to other parts of their body will now have another treatment option in England.

by Harry Jenkins | News | 16 June 2021

16 June 2021

Photo of the PillCam

A disposable camera that’s small enough to swallow and powerful enough to help rule out bowel cancer. And it could be coming to a clinic near you. A disposable camera that’s small enough to swallow and powerful enough to help rule out bowel cancer. And it could be coming to a clinic near you.

by Katie Roberts | Analysis | 14 April 2021

14 April 2021