Introduction

In 1995 there were over 32,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United Kingdom, and in 1997 there were some 17,000 deaths. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer, and the overall 5 year survival is less than 40%. The high incidence of this disease, together with the fact that improvement in mortality in recent years has been modest, highlights the need for research into prevention, earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

Advanced disease at first presentation is still common, both the Trent\Wales and Wessex audits indicate that over 20% of patients present with distant metastases. This may improve with heightened awareness of the disease and its symptoms among the general public.

These Guidelines have been produced by the ACPGBI with financial support from Beating Bowel Cancer and the Colon and Rectal Disease Research Foundation of Great Britain and Ireland.

Copyright of this document is held by ACPGBI

Notes

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Guidelines for the management of colorectal cancer

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