Here in The Mater Private you have access to – Rapid Access Endoscopy Services – you will be seen within 10 days of being referred.

The colon and rectum make up the large bowel. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer or bowel cancer. Overall, between men and women, is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Ireland. It is the 2^nd most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland with approximately 1900 new cases every year. It is the 2^nd most fatal cancer occurring in men and women.Ireland has the highest mortality rate for colorectal cancer inWestern Europe (National cancer screening service 2008).

In most people, the cause of colon and rectal cancer is still unknown, but research is going on to try to find the cause. We do know that some things – called risk factors – can increase our chances of developing colon or rectal cancer. These factors include eating a lot of processed meats, being overweight, getting very little exercise, and smoking. Some people may have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer if they have inherited a faulty gene.

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may all be used to treat bowel cancer. Many people survive colon and rectal cancer.

The Mater Private Hospital provides a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic service to patients presenting with symptoms or diagnosis of colorectal cancer.