Colorectal disease

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common malignancies affecting western civilization. Awareness of the symptoms associated with this disease is extremely important. It can present in a variety of ways, from vague abdominal pain with a change in bowel habit to a major acute emergency with large bowel obstruction, or even with perforation. Patients should be referred for investigation and treatment at the earliest opportunity. Recent developments in chemotherapy and radiotherapy have provided opportunities for adjuvant therapy, and also help in patients with recurrent or advanced disease. The family physician is key in the overall management of patients with colorectal cancer, as well as providing subsequent support services. This new edition of ''Fast Facts - Colorectal Disease'' delivers, concisely, the important information required to give an optimal service to patients with this common disorder