About Colorectal Cancer
A colorectal cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding your condition and treatment options can help you take the next step with confidence. Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system.
At Canopy Cancer Care, we support adults across New Zealand with personalised colorectal cancer care, helping you understand your diagnosis, explore treatment options, and receive expert support throughout your cancer journey.
First steps: from diagnosis to treatment
If colorectal cancer is suspected, your doctor will usually recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. Understanding how far the cancer has spread helps guide treatment decisions.
Your care team may review:
- Imaging scans such as CT or MRI
- Colonoscopy results
- Biopsy results from tissue samples
- Blood tests and other diagnostic assessments
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan will be developed based on the cancer’s location, stage, and your overall health.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which are part of the large intestine in the digestive tract. Colon cancer begins in the large intestine, while rectal cancer starts in the rectum – the final section of the digestive system.
Many colorectal cancers start as small growths called polyps that develop in the lining of the bowel. Over time, some polyps may develop into cancer if they are not detected and removed.
Early detection and treatment are important, as colorectal cancer is often more treatable when found in its earlier stages.
Recognising Colorectal Cancer
Possible signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
- Changes in bowel habits that persist for several weeks
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your GP promptly for further assessment.
Potential Risk Factors
While the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not always known, certain factors may increase risk.
- Common risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Family history of bowel cancer
- Inherited genetic conditions
- Diets low in fibre and high in processed foods
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Being overweight or physically inactive
Screening can help detect bowel cancer early or identify polyps before they become cancerous.
Colorectal cancer treatment options
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on several factors including the cancer’s stage, location, and your overall health.
Treatment may include:
Surgery
Surgery is often the main treatment and involves removing the section of bowel containing the tumour.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used to destroy cancer cells that remain after surgery or to treat cancer that has spread.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be used in some cases, particularly for rectal cancer.
Targeted therapies or immunotherapy
Certain advanced or metastatic colorectal cancers may be treated with targeted medicines or immunotherapy depending on tumour characteristics.
Often a combination of treatments is recommended to achieve the best outcome.
How Canopy Cancer Care can help
At Canopy Cancer Care, we support adults with colorectal cancer through personalised oncology care and treatment planning.
Our team can help by:
- Reviewing your diagnosis and pathology results
- Developing a personalised treatment plan
- Coordinating care with surgeons, gastroenterologists and other specialists
- Providing systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies where appropriate
- Monitoring treatment response and managing side effects
- Supporting your physical and emotional wellbeing and recovery throughout treatment
Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported and confident in your care at every stage.
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More information
Find more information on colorectal cancer
Mayo Clinic
Macmillan
Cancer.org