Colorectal cancer

Our colorectal cancer teams are involved in the diagnosis, as well as surgical and medical management, of conditions affecting the lower bowel, i.e. the colon, rectum and anus.

The colorectal cancer team includes:

Colorectal surgeons
Medical and clinical oncologists
Radiologists
Pathologists
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
Research nurses
Palliative Care team
Multi- disciplinary team coordinator
Secretary and administration team
Other Allied Health Professionals

Our services include:

surgical treatment for a number of cancer bowel-related conditions and diseases
medical treatment (oncology) for colon, rectal and anal cancers
radiotherapy treatment
stoma care
surveillance and follow up.

Referrals

You will be referred to us if:

Your GP has referred you on a faster diagnosis pathway. This is because you have symptoms that may indicate you have bowel cancer. You will have had either a colonoscopy, CT scan or both to confirm this.

You may have taken part in the national bowel screening programme.

Endoscopy

You may have been referred as an emergency referral e.g. as an A&E patient.

Tests and scans: what to expect

Your doctor may need to do a series of tests to find out more about your cancer. You may need to undergo one or more of the following investigations.

Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

FIT is a home test kit and check for hidden blood in “poo”.

Many things can cause hidden blood in motions but we know that high levels of hidden blood can indicate a higher risk of serious causes such as cancer.

Most people with high FIT results will still have nothing serious in their large bowel (colon & rectum).

Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy

This is a test which allows the doctor to assess the lining of the large bowel.

X-rays and scans

These scans also build up a picture of the inside of your body by taking a series of images:

Blood tests

The specific blood test for bowel cancer is called CEA (tumour marker).

It may take up to a couple of weeks to complete these investigations. Should you have any concerns during this time, please contact your clinical nurse specialist. Further information about all cancer investigations can be found on the Macmillan or Bowel Cancer UK websites.

Receiving a diagnosis

At your appointment with your consultant and specialist nurse we will explain your diagnosis and treatment options. Your consultant will explain the aim of the treatments and whether the aim is to cure or control the cancer. We will make you aware of the benefits and side effects of treatment. All treatment options will be discussed with you and we can also talk through what may happen if you decide against any treatment. You will be guided through these treatment options and supported in making your decision.

We would advise that you bring a relative/friend to support you at this appointment.