Which specialist treats bowel cancer?

The lead specialist depends on where the tumour is, whether it can be removed surgically and whether medicines or radiotherapy are needed. A gastroenterologist may investigate bowel symptoms and perform a colonoscopy. A colorectal surgeon may plan bowel resection. A medical oncologist selects systemic treatments, while a radiation oncologist advises about radiotherapy when appropriate. Pathologists examine tissue, and genomic tumour profiling may help describe features that guide medicine choices. These clinicians usually discuss findings together so the plan reflects the full picture.

Ask your family doctor or gastroenterologist for referral to a colorectal cancer service if bowel cancer is suspected or confirmed. Take reports from scans, colonoscopy and biopsy, plus your medicines and relevant family history. Ask who coordinates appointments, whether surgery comes before medicines, and which tests are needed to stage the cancer. Treatment can include surgery, medicines or radiotherapy in different combinations.

Arrange medical review for persistent abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, a change in bowel habit or blood in the stool. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, fainting or heavy rectal bleeding. A symptom does not by itself show that bowel cancer is present, but ongoing or worsening symptoms deserve assessment.

Ask which specialist is leading your case, what the biopsy and staging results show, whether genomic tumour profiling is useful, what surgery would involve, and whether radiotherapy or medicines are recommended. Ask how treatment may affect bowel function and who to contact outside appointments.