Crohn's Disease, also known as regional enteritis, is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, causing a wide variety of symptoms.

 

It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea (which may be bloody if inflammation is at its worst), vomiting or weight loss but may also cause complications outside the gastointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, inflammation of the eye, fatigue and lack of concentration.

Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis Ulcerosa, UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel Disease (IBD). Ulcerative Colitis is a form of colitis, a disease of the intestine, specifically the large intestine or colon, that includes characteristic ulcers or open sores in the colon.

 

The main symptom of active disease is usually constant diarrhoea mixed with blood of gradual onset. IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a troublesome but much less serious condition. Ulcerative Colitis has similarities to Crohn's Disease.

 

Ulcerative Colitis is an intermitted disease with periods of exacerbated symptoms and periods that are relatively symptom-free. Although the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis can sometimes diminish on their own, the disease usually requires treatment to go into remission.

Bowel Cancers, also known as Colorectal Cancer, are most commonly caused by the uncontrollable cell growth (neoplasia) in the rectum, but Bowel Cancer can also affect the colon and vermiform appendix. If left untreated this growth can penetrated the muscle layers beneath, and through the bowel wall. Most begin as small benign mushroom shaped growths on the bowel wall, Colorectal polyp or Adenoma, however some can become cancerous over time. Localised Bowel Cancer is usually diagnosed through a colonoscopy.

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Like with any cancer, we cannot stress the importance of early detection enough. Bowel cancer is curable but early detection is essential so if you experience anything unusual in your bowel movements please seek the attention of you GP immediately. It is also why we urge you not to ignore bowel cancer testing kits.