Bowel cancer treatment near Westmead

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.

On this page

Back to top

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 Westmead NSW.

Other treatment centres

Results are ordered by distance from Westmead 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.

Last modified date:

You may also be interested in

Cancer TIPS

Team, Involvement, Plan, Support - is a guide to help you manage your cancer care.

Complex treatment

For people who require complex treatment it is better to have the procedure at a hospital that performs these often.

Stopping smoking

Evidence suggests that stopping smoking after a cancer diagnosis improves survival.

Informed financial consent

See the proposed standard for informed financial consent. 

Navigating the health system

The Australian health system is large and complicated. Learn about how the system works.

Cancer types

There are many different cancer types. This is why the experience of having cancer is not the same for everyone.
Found incorrect information on this page? Let us know
Select a cancer type and location
Advanced search Search by doctor or hospital name
doctor or hospital name
Advanced search Search by cancer type and location