The importance of palliative care for patients with colorectal cancer

In Westernized countries colorectal cancer is a very common form of cancer, with over 30,000 cases registered annually in the UK (Taylor et al, 2002). Cancer of the large bowel is the second most common cause of cancer death, with over 17,000 cases per year (Cancer Research Campaign (CRC), 1999). Bowel cancer is related to age, with as many as 80% of cases in people who are 60 years or over. Eighty per cent of patients undergo surgery with curative intent but recurrence will occur in half of these cases (National Cancer Institute, 2001). Palliative care is a person-centred approach that provides essential support to patients with bowel and colorectal cancer with an emphasis on symptom control, and psychological and social support. Care for this group of patients depends on an interdisciplinary approach with mutual respect for all the team members and good communication that enables the patient, where possible, to be involved in any decision-making about care and treatment.