What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. However, early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is important. If you experience any of these symptoms, specialist assessment is recommended.

How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a colonoscopy to examine the bowel and obtain biopsies, followed by imaging such as CT scans to stage the cancer. Dr Tiang coordinates the full diagnostic pathway and works with oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Colorectal Cancer & Oncology

Specialist assessment, diagnosis, and personalised management of bowel cancer and related conditions, delivered within a multidisciplinary framework.

Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) is one of the most common cancers in Australia. Dr Tiang provides specialist assessment, diagnosis, and surgical management of colorectal cancer, working within a multidisciplinary team to deliver evidence-based, individualised care. This includes timely investigation of symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habit, or abdominal pain, and coordination of imaging, pathology, and oncology input to develop a tailored treatment plan.

Sub-topics

Diagnosis and Management of Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer

Comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and personalised management of colorectal cancer. This includes timely investigation of symptoms, coordination of imaging and pathology, and development of an evidence-based treatment plan tailored to each patient.

Screening and Surveillance for High-Risk Patients

For patients at increased risk of bowel cancer, structured screening and surveillance programs designed to detect early changes before cancer develops, improving outcomes through early intervention.

Familial Cancer Syndromes (e.g. Lynch Syndrome, FAP)

Specialist assessment and management of inherited colorectal cancer syndromes, including Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Care includes risk assessment, genetic considerations, and long-term surveillance strategies.

Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery (Laparoscopic / Robotic)

Where appropriate, advanced minimally invasive techniques are used, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These approaches aim to reduce pain, shorten hospital stay, and support faster recovery while maintaining optimal oncological outcomes.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)

Advanced transanal approach for the local excision of selected early rectal cancers and large rectal polyps, avoiding the need for major abdominal surgery in appropriate cases.

Stoma Formation and Reversal

Formation of ileostomies and colostomies — temporary or permanent — as part of cancer or complex bowel surgery, with planned reversal where clinically appropriate and structured stomal therapy support throughout.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

All cancer care is delivered within a multidisciplinary framework, involving collaboration with oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and allied health professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated treatment.

Common questions

Frequently asked

: Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. However, early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is important. If you experience any of these symptoms, specialist assessment is recommended.
: Diagnosis typically involves a colonoscopy to examine the bowel and obtain biopsies, followed by imaging such as CT scans to stage the cancer. Dr Tiang coordinates the full diagnostic pathway and works with oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Colonoscopy & Endoscopy

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