The Cambridge colorectal unit is part of the department of general surgery at Addenbrooke's. The Cambridge colorectal unit aims to provide a comprehensive specialist service to care for patients with all colorectal (large bowel and rectal) disorders. Patients will be guided by a dedicated team of doctors, specialist nurses and allied professionals through their encounter with the unit from their first clinic visit, to surgery (if required) and then follow-up.
Conditions treated by the team include: anal fissures, anal fistulas, bowel polyps, rectal prolapse, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum), diverticular disease, haemorrhoids (piles), incontinence, inflammatory bowel disease (colitis and Crohn's), minor anal conditions: skin tags, fibroepithelial polyps, external haemorrhoids, warts, pilonidal sinus and pruritus ani (anal itchiness).
Many patients can be diagnosed and treated in the clinic. For example, most patients with haemorrhoids are suitable for outpatient treatment. Other patients will require investigations, and we have access to the full range of specialist investigations for colorectal diseases.
Non-urgent advice: Information for patients
Colorectal cancer
2 week wait suspected cancer service patients with suspected colorectal cancer will be referred by their GP to the 2ww LGI suspected cancer service.
This is a nurse led service where patients are triaged as straight to test or assessed in clinic by a trained clinical nurse specialist and investigations arranged accordingly on a fast track pathway. Clinic or investigations will be within 2 weeks of GP referral.
Diagnosis
If no cancer is found, patient will be notified within 28 days. Any non-clinical urgent incidental findings found during diagnostic investigation process will be discharged back to their GP with appropriate recommendations.
When a diagnosis of cancer is made, treatment for each patient is discussed by a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts including colorectal surgeons, radiologists, histopathologists, oncologists and specialist nurses, all of whom play a part in supporting patients and family through their cancer journey. This is to ensure care is determined on an individual basis and tailored to specific patient’s needs.
Patients with colorectal cancer that has not spread are considered for surgery. Patients with anal cancer, on the other hand, are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery is also sometimes advised for patients with rectal cancer. Chemotherapy given after surgery may also be of benefit. Patients with inoperable or metastatic disease will be considered for chemotherapy and maybe radiotherapy.
In general, the management of lower gastrointestinal cancers depends on the presenting stage of disease and patient fitness.
After cancer surgery / surveillance
The decision for colorectal cancer surveillance is determined by the multidisciplinary team once final histology is reviewed. After cancer surgery, follow-up is co-ordinated by our specialist nursing staff, which counsel patients and arrange investigations and run nurse clinic follow up. The nurse specialists are available at the end of the telephone or face to face with any colorectal cancer patient who has concerns about their diagnosis, treatment, recovery and living life with or beyond cancer.
CUH colorectal cancer navigator
Your colorectal cancer navigator, Lulu, works in a non-clinical role alongside the multi-disciplinary team to help provide information and support to patients with a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Lulu’s help can include but is not limited to:
- Information on how to manage practical concerns for example diet, fatigue and exercise.
- Signposting to support groups.
- Referrals for emotional support.
- Financial support. This can include referrals to the Macmillan benefits advice service and applications for a Macmillan grant.
This list is not exhaustive and Lulu can help with other information and support needs.
Lulu is available on 01223 274801 or you can email Lulu.
Alternatively please direct postal queries to:
Oncology
Box 193
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Referral information
The majority of patients are referred by their general practitioner (GP), and are initially seen in the outpatient clinic. Others will be referred by hospital consultants, or are admitted through the emergency department
Patient support links
- Macmillan website (opens in a new tab)
- Bowel Cancer UK (opens in a new tab)
- Colostomy UK (opens in a new tab)
- Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association (opens in a new tab)
- Urostomy Association (opens in a new tab)
- Bowel Cancer UK (opens in a new tab)
- Crohn's and Colitis UK (opens in a new tab)
- Multi Organ Transplant Support (opens in a new tab)