Bowel Cancer

Question 1

What is bowel cancer?

Answer 1

• Occurs when abnormal cells in the wall of large bowel grow in an uncontrolled manner
• Develop from non malignant growths on lining of the bowel

Question 2

What is the cause/risk factors of bowel cancer?

Answer 2

• Diet rich in saturated fats and proteins
• Use of tobacco
• Low physical activity
• Ageing, over 50
• History of bowel cancer/polyps

Question 3

Describe the diagnosis for bowel cancer

Answer 3

• To confirm diagnosis of bowel cancer, physical examination takes place
• Digital rectal examination conducted
• Those at a high risk recommended to have a colonoscopy

Question 4

What are symptoms of bowel cancer?

Answer 4

• Bleeding from rectum
• Loose stools
• Symptoms of anaemia
• Change in bowel habit
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Weight loss

Question 5

Describe the impact of Bowel Cancer on the person and their occupational performance of ADLs

Answer 5

• Eating and drinking impacted due to loss of appetite/bloating
• Functional mobility, weakened muscle endurance and strength
• Dressing, weak joint mobility
• Toileting difficult due to change in bowel habit from loose stools and constipation

Question 6

Describe the impact of Bowel Cancer on the person and their occupational performance of IADLs

Answer 6

• Community mobility/driving difficultly, lack of sustained attention due to increased fatigue/tiredness
• Complicated nature of condition with medication/treatment, health management is difficult
• Motivation for meal preparation may lack due to loss of appetite, causing them to not eat on a regular schedule

Question 7

What is treatment of bowel cancer?

Answer 7

• Surgery: removed section of bowel infected by cancer
• Chemotherapy: inhibit growth of cancer cells
• Radiotherapy: use of radiation to kill cancer cells

Question 8

What is the role of other health professionals in treating bowel cancer?

Answer 8

Radiologist: use scans to locate/measure where cancer is in body
Dieticians and Nutritionists: help construct diet suitable for pre and post surgery
Physiotherapists: help regain strength, movement and balance after surgery

Question 9

What is the role of the OT in managing bowel cancer?

Answer 9

-Identify and address issues you feel may be limiting your function
-Ability to perform these tasks and engage in important life roles can be affected by cancer and its treatment
-May assist showering dressing, toileting,
bend and reach,
comfortably manage tasks
recover your breath or energy after activity
walk, manage stairs and get up from chairs, the toilet and/or your bed
position yourself comfortably in bed or chairs, drive safely