The stage of bowel cancer refers to how advanced the cancer is and is typically determined through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsy results. After all tests have been completed, it’s usually possible to determine the stage of your cancer.
The stages of bowel cancer are typically described using the numbers 0 through IV, with stage 0 being the least advanced and stage IV being the most advanced.
Here is a brief overview of the stages of bowel cancer:
Stage 0: This is called cancer in situ. The cancer cells are only in the mucosa, or the inner lining, of the colon or rectum.
Stage I: The cancer is confined to the inner lining of the colon or rectum and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage II: The cancer has grown through the inner lining of the colon or rectum and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it has not spread to other organs.
Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum and may have invaded nearby tissues or organs, such as the bladder or uterus, and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes, such as the liver or lungs.
Another method of determining the stages of cancer is the TNM staging system where:
- T – indicates the size of the tumour
- N – indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- M – indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis)
It’s important to note that the staging of bowel cancer can be complex and may involve other factors beyond the size and location of the cancer. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the stage of your bowel cancer and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.