Bowel cancer diagnosis
If you have symptoms of bowel cancer or a screening test shows traces of blood in your stools, your GP will examine you and refer you to a specialist for tests.
If the tests show that you have bowel cancer, the specialist will work out how far it has spread. This is known as staging.
After a bowel cancer diagnosis, you are likely to see a range of health professionals, who will all play a part in your treatment.
Many people feel understandably shocked and upset when told they have bowel cancer. If you need support, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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Video: Cancer and common diagnostic tests
Watch this short video to learn about what cancer is, and some common diagnostic tests.
This information was last reviewed in February 2017
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