Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. Twenty-five percent of patients present with advanced disease and, despite complete surgical resection of early stage disease, 50% of patients relapse. The treatment of colorectal cancer has advanced rapidly in recent years, and controversies persist regarding optimal management (e.g. whether combination chemotherapy should be used first-line or in a staged fashion, how long to treat patients for and whether to use an intermittent or continuous schedule and whether to refer for a radical approach for advanced patients). Part of the Oxford Oncology Library, this pocketbook summarises the epidemiology and risk factors for developing colorectal cancer and the basic biology of the disease. The evidence governing approaches in diagnosis and oncological management both surgical and non-surgical of the primary tumour is also covered, including which surgical approaches to use and indications for neoaduvant / adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Providing perspectives from the different disciplines involved including surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and palliative care, this pocketbook will serve as an invaluable reference for all health care professionals involved in the management of patients with colorectal cancer.
