Colorectal/Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Team

Colorectal cancer – more commonly referred to as bowel cancer – is a type of cancer that begins in the large bowel. The large bowel includes the colon, rectum and anus. It is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.

Our colorectal cancer teams provide a diagnostic and treatment service for patients with suspected or confirmed bowel cancer after referral from their GP or another healthcare professional. The team also work closely with the Bowel Cancer Screening Services.

In many cases, the main course of treatment will be surgery to remove the cancerous section of bowel. This is the most effective way of dealing with this type of cancer. Keyhole or robotic surgery is increasingly used, which allows operations to be performed with less pain and with a quicker recovery time. Sometimes, you might need a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy before or after surgical treatment.

Anal cancers, Hepato Pancreato Biliary cancer (HPB) and neuroendocrine tumours are treated at the Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Colorectal patient information

You can access information resources here:

• Colon cancer – Macmillan
• Rectal cancer – Macmillan
• Essex Bowel Cancer Support Group