Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

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Welcome

At Airedale NHS Foundation Trust we provide an established multidisciplinary colorectal service. We offer all suspected cancer patients an appointment within two weeks of their GP referral.

We offer a range of services for patients with suspected colorectal cancer, including;

  • Scans – we provide MRI scans, CT scans and PET scans. These are important as they provide information about abnormalities inside the body that are not otherwise seen.
  • Tumour markers
  • Day case endoscopy
  • CT Colonography – a procedure to view the inner lining of the bowel
  • Inpatient surgery
  • Stoma care service for patients who have a colostomy

Colorectal Cancer

All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are discussed at a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting. This is where a group of doctors and other health professionals involved in your care and treatment discuss and decide together the best treatment options for you.

A team of specialist staff provides support to patients diagnosed with all colorectal cancers before, during and after treatment.

Ano-rectal problems
The department is very well equipped and knowledgeable in dealing with ano-rectal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, piles (haemmorhoids), fistula and anal fissure.

Other conditions treated in the colorectal department are:

Colorectal cancer can be operated on either through keyhole surgery or through open surgery. This is assessed on an individual basis and you will be involved to make sure this is the route you want to go down.

All colorectal surgeons can offer open or keyhole surgery.

Keyhole colorectal surgery
Keyhole surgery can be used to treat colorectal cancer, some large polyps, diverticular disease,  inflammatory bowel disease, parastomal hernias and incisional hernias.

Patients are assessed on an individual basis for their suitability for keyhole surgery.

Keyhole surgery involves the use of a fibre optic camera and special surgical equipment which are introduced through very small incisions. Benefits to having keyhole surgery can include smaller wounds which results in a quicker recovery and shortened hospital stay.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS):

All the members of the colorectal clinical nurse specialist team have expertise and experience in assisting with patients and carers concerns including:

  • information about the disease illness, investigations, treatments and follow up
  • advice about any symptoms arising as a result of the cancer treatment
  • support for patients, relatives and carers
  • referral to the community nursing teams, such as the District Nurses
  • referral to other professionals who can offer specialist advice such as benefits, social services or complimentary therapies. e.g. Cancer Support Yorkshire
  • Your CNS is likely to be your main contact at the hospital

Our colorectal clinical nurse specialists are:

  • Shirin Miah – Lead Colorectal CNS
  • Neil Freeman – Colorectal CNS
  • Sharon Philip – Colorectal CNS

Cancer Care Coordinator (CCC)

The Cancer Care coordinator works as part of the cancer care team alongside registered practitioners to help improve care for people with cancer, helping patients to self-manage and lead as healthy lives as possible. The CCC is not a qualified clinician but is trained and experienced in supporting people with a cancer diagnosis.

CCC’s can offer practical and emotional support, sign posting, and information about lifestyle changes, such as diet, physical activity, benefits referrals, and local support available.

Our Stoma and Cancer Care Co-Ordinator is: Adele Barnes

For more information on Lynch Syndrome, please follow the link below that will take you to our Lynch Syndrome patient support page. This patient support page will help you to:

  • Understand what Lynch Syndrome is
  • How to get tested for Lynch Syndrome
  • Understand the genetics counselling service

Lynch Syndrome patient support – Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

What is Lynch Syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is a condition that increases the risk of many kinds of cancer. This is a condition that can run in families. It used to be called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

Families that have Lynch syndrome have more instances of cancer than expected. This might include colon cancer, endometrial cancer and other types of cancer. Lynch syndrome also causes cancers to happen at an earlier age.

People affected by Lynch Syndrome have a higher risk of developing:

And they have a slightly higher risk of developing:

Lynch Syndrome UK is a UK charity that offers additional support and information for all people with Lynch Syndrome. Some of the support they provide includes:

  • an online support group for people that is patient lead, offering advice, support and experience
  • up to date advice on the website that can be downloaded and printed
  • people can be sent “the beginners guide to Lynch Syndrome” as well as request a patient passport
  • a new digital app has recently been launch with Professor Julian Barwell – access to this new app can be requested through the website
  • a patient conference every year in March which gives people and their families an opportunity to ask questions of the clinicians in the room about their genetic disorder. This conference is alway’s well attended and clinicians are also welcome to come along. Please find more information on the conference here

Our colorectal cancer team is made up of surgeons, gastroenterologists, specialist nurses, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists and a palliative care representative to ensure patients get the best treatment.

The colorectal clinical nurse specialist team are happy for you to contact them to discuss anything you feel is important to you and will treat anything you discuss as confidential.

The colorectal clinical nurse specialist team provide a link and point of contact for you and your family and are your designated key worker.

Tel: 01535 292144

Email: Colorectalcns.agh@nhs.net.

Useful videos

Living with and beyond cancer – Colorectal cancer

This is one of a series of patient videos produced by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance with local trusts.

The latest videos feature Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) and other health professionals, along with patient talking about their own experiences of cancer – breaking down barriers around subjects considered sensitive; challenging perceptions and mythbusting, and offering their own advice on how to deal with the impact of cancer on their everyday lives.

All seven films can be viewed here