Challenges in Colorectal Cancer

The latest guidance on challenging and controversial aspects of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US and Europe. Thousands of people are diagnosed with the disease every year and nearly half of these die as a result. As colorectal cancer is curable when detected early, a significant proportion of these deaths could be prevented by earlier diagnosis.

Much has changed since the publication of the first edition of this book in 2001: introduction of screening programs, improved diagnosis and surgery for rectal cancer, and advances in adjuvant and palliative medical therapy to name but a few.

Challenges in Colorectal Cancer provides the most up-to-date information on the new and emerging treatments. The second edition looks at the total patient management of this condition and is aimed at the entire medical team caring for those with colorectal cancer. It also contains the latest guidelines on epidemiology and prevention of colorectal cancer, and the application of molecular genetics.

The expanded international editor team present advice on surgical management, including new laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques and the role of the pathologist. They also review hot topics in colorectal cancer treatment, including the role of radiotherapy, options for chemotherapy and new developments in vaccines and immunotherapy.

Professor John Scholefield is Professor of surgery at University Hospital in Nottingham. He is doing research into possible screening tests for spotting colorectal cancer early and cell changes in colorectal cancer. He chairs the National Cancer Research Institute's colorectal cancer group, and is also a member of Council of the Association of Surgeons.

Professor Herand Abcarian MD FACS, Turi Josefsen Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, USA.

Professor Tim Maughan, Professor of Cancer Studies at the University of Wales, College of Medicine, and Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Velindre Hospital Swansea. Also Chairman of the All Wales Cancer Network.

Professor Axel Grothey, Mayo Clinic, USA (formerly Professor of Medicine and Oncology at Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany).