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We're the UK's leading bowel cancer charity

The bowel

The bowel is part of the digestive system. It is made up of the small bowel (small intestine) and the large bowel (colon and rectum). The small bowel is longer than the large bowel but it gets its name from the fact it is much narrower than the large bowel.

Cancer is more likely to develop in the large bowel. Small bowel cancer is much less common.

Cancer in the large bowel is called bowel cancer or colorectal cancer.

 

More information

Read our booklet, Simple steps for good bowel health, for information on keeping your bowel healthy.

Reviewed May 2019

Back to 'About bowel cancer'

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Your support helps save lives. Donate now and help us ensure a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
Your support helps save lives. Donate now and help us ensure a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

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