BMJ  2007;335:715-718 (6 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.39321.527384.BE

Clinical Review

Colorectal cancer

Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London E9 6SR

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Summary points The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 5% Increasing age and a family history of colorectal cancer are the greatest risk factors for the disease Patients presenting with suspicious symptoms and signs should be referred and investigated urgently in a specialised unit Colonoscopy and computed tomographic colonography are of equal sensitivity for detection of colorectal cancer Colonoscopy allows biopsy of suspicious lesions and removal of polyps Population screening by testing for faecal occult blood has begun in the United Kingdom

Colorectal cancer is common, the presenting symptoms are non-specific, and the stage of disease at diagnosis is closely related to survival. In this review we discuss disease presentation, criteria for urgent referral of patients to specialist care, and recent developments in the implementation of national screening programmes, which aim to reduce mortality from this common disease. Many general practitioners will also refer patients with suspected colorectal cancer ?direct . . . [Full text of this article]

Sources and selection criteria

How common is colorectal cancer?

How does colorectal cancer develop?

Who is at greatest risk of colorectal cancer?

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

How should suspected colorectal cancer be investigated?

Colonic imaging
Frail and elderly patients
Other tests

How is colorectal cancer managed?

What is the prognosis of colorectal cancer?

Who should enter a screening programme?

Family history
Moderate risk
High risk
Inflammatory bowel disease

What are the methods for screening populations for colorectal cancer?

Additional educational resources
Information for patients

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This article has been cited by other articles:

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