Advanced bowel cancer (also known as metastatic colorectal cancer) means the cancer has spread from its original site in the colon or rectum to other parts of the body. This may be discovered at your initial diagnosis, or it may be recurrent cancer—meaning it has returned after previous treatment.
Local Cancer Spread
Local spread occurs when cancer cells break through the wall of the bowel and move into the immediately surrounding tissue. This usually affects the:
- Abdomen (the tummy area)
- Pelvis (the area between the hip bones)
Secondary Spread (Metastasis)
When cancer cells travel through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream to settle in a distant part of the body, it is called secondary or metastatic cancer.
Important Distinction
The most important factor in treatment is where the cancer started. For example:
“If bowel cancer spreads to the liver, it is not liver cancer. It is Secondary Bowel Cancer.”
This is vital because your medical team must use treatments specifically designed to kill bowel cancer cells, regardless of where they are currently growing in the body.
Common sites for secondary bowel cancer include the liver or the lungs.
Coping with Advanced Bowel Cancer
Navigating an advanced diagnosis involves managing physical symptoms as well as complex emotions. We have dedicated resources to help you through each stage:
Feelings & Emotions
Managing the psychological impact of an advanced diagnosis.
Advanced Treatment
Information on therapies used to shrink or control metastatic cancer.
Terminal Care
Support and guidance for end-of-life care and comfort.
