Alfred Health
Our service provides comprehensive care for people affected by cancer of the bowel, from diagnosis and treatment, through to follow-up care. Our expert team provide coordinated care in a supportive environment for patients, their carers and families.
Bowel cancer can happen in part of the large bowel (colon or rectum). It is sometimes known as colorectal cancer and might also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts in the bowel.
Bowel cancer develops from the inner lining of the bowel and is usually preceded by growths called polyps, which may become invasive cancer if undetected.
It is the third most common cancer in men and women in Australia, and is more common in people over the age of 50 years.
Visit the Cancer Council for more information about bowel cancer
The Alfred Bowel Service includes an experienced team of:
We work together in a multi-disciplinary team, and in collaboration with each patient, to develop a management and follow-up plan to ensure the best outcomes for physical and psychological wellbeing.
Treatment pathways vary depending on the type of bowel cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and/or chemotherapy.
World-class cancer treatment, care and compassion for the people of Melbourne and Victoria.
Working together to provide comprehensive patient centred, quality care through investment, research and innovation.
The Alfred has become the first Victorian hospital to offer a new form of radiation that drastically cuts treatment time for prostate cancer patients.
A world-class melanoma and cancer centre at The Alfred is set to revolutionise care for Victorian patients, and boost research.
Living amongst the highest rates of melanoma in the world, Australians are being urged to become more familiar with their skin and ‘be all over melanoma’ this Check for Spots Day.