Bowel cancer treatment near Punchbowl

Bowel (colorectal) cancer can include cancer of the colon, rectum or anus.

A person with a suspected or diagnosed bowel cancer should:

  • have their care overseen by a specialist who is a member of a multidisciplinary cancer care team
  • attend their first specialist appointment within two weeks of being referred by the general practitioner (GP).

There are a number of recommended hospitals for bowel cancer surgery. Ideally, people with bowel cancer should be referred to a specialist at one of these hospitals.

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Who to see

The diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer involves a team of specialists. The usual specialist for initial referral is a surgeon.

A referral from a general practitioner (GP) is required for an appointment. 

Where to have treatment

Treatments for bowel cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. Many people with bowel cancer have a combination of these treatments.

Surgery for bowel cancer

Hospitals for bowel cancer surgery are listed below. Results are ordered by distance from Punchbowl NSW.

Other treatment centres

Results are ordered by distance from Punchbowl NSW.

Find a cancer care team

All people with bowel cancer in NSW should have their treatment overseen by a multidisciplinary cancer care team (MDT).

A multidisciplinary cancer care team is a group of health care professionals who work together to ensure that a patient receives the best care and outcomes. 

Children and youth services

There are services that provide specialised treatment and support to children and young people with cancer.

Tests and timeframes

Cancer care pathways have been developed by the Cancer Council to help identify recommended care at each stage of the pathway. 

Initial tests may be arranged by the general practitioner (GP) and may include

  • a physical examination
  • digital rectal examination
  • blood tests
  • colonoscopy.

  • Initial tests should be performed within one week of general practitioner (GP) presentation.
  • If symptoms suggest cancer, a colonoscopy should be done within four weeks.
  • The specialist consultation should take place within two weeks of the initial GP appointment.

More information about the bowel cancer care pathway is available in these fact sheets:

  • Optimal care pathway for bowel cancer Quick reference guide for health professionals
  • Fact sheet  for patients in plain English and seven other languages.

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