Early stage bowel cancer: Follow up and survivorship

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is the most common internal malignancy affecting both men and women in Australia. Objective: This review discusses screening, follow up, the long them physical effects of treatment, and the need for survivorship care plans for those with colorectal cancer. Discussion: Following primary treatment, patient follow up includes screening for recurrence and second primaries, management of long term treatment effects, advice about health promotional strategies, and monitoring and appropriate referral for psychosocial issues. Optimal survivorship care is likely to include considerable general practitioner involvement with ongoing support from oncology specialist teams. ..