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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer develops in the lining of the colon or rectum. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, and dietary and lifestyle shifts in recent decades have contributed to rising incidence.

Capnat

Capecitabine

500mg

Capecitabine 500mg film-coated tablets, used in the management of colorectal, breast and gastric cancer. A prodrug converted to fluorouracil in the body.

From$2.98/ tabletView

Key points

  • Chemotherapy can shrink a tumour before surgery, reduce recurrence risk afterwards, or serve as the main treatment once cancer has spread.
  • The body converts capecitabine into its active drug right at the tumour, sparing more healthy tissue than intravenous chemotherapy would.
  • Changes in diet and daily habits over recent decades have played a part in rising rates of the disease.

How colorectal cancer is managed

Treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread. Surgery to remove the tumour is usually central to early-stage care. Chemotherapy is added before surgery to shrink a tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of return, or as the main treatment when the cancer has spread.

Oral chemotherapy is a common part of many regimens. Capecitabine is one of the most widely used agents; the body converts it into fluorouracil at the tumour site, which limits damage to healthy tissue compared with intravenous alternatives. It is often used alongside other medicines or radiotherapy as part of oncology support care.

Any new or persistent change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing abdominal discomfort warrants prompt medical assessment.

Further reading