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Colorectal: Key Points
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Incidence:
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About 30,000 cases p.a. in England & Wales
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Age:
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9% aged > 40 years
85% aged > 60 years
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Primary Symptoms
- Rectal bleeding persistently without anal symptoms
- Change in bowel habit – most commonly increased frequency and/or
looser stools persistent for at least six weeks.
Secondary effects
- A significant iron deficiency anaemia
- Clear signs of intestinal obstruction Clinical Examination
- A definite right-sided abdominal mass
- A definite rectal (not pelvic) mass
The criteria for urgent referral set out in the following section (3.2) should
identify 90% of patients with bowel cancer.
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