Support for people with colorectal cancer

Approximately 1300 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Western Australia each year. Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon (large bowel), rectum and anus.

Diagnosis

Colorectal cancers are usually diagnosed following a positive screening test (Faecal Occult Blood Test) or following investigations for symptoms such as bleeding from the back passage, a change in bowel habits, anaemia, tiredness and/or weight loss. Investigations to confirm a diagnosis may include:

• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy and biopsy
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan

Treatment

Following diagnosis, a patient may receive multiple treatments which can involve seeing several specialists in a variety of settings. Treatment may continue for up to six to twelve months and can include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• A combination of the above treatments

Helping you along your cancer journey

The Colorectal Cancer Nurse Coordination Service is a free state-wide service aimed at supporting you and your family through diagnosis and treatment in the public hospital system.

The service can help patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer to navigate their treatment pathway by providing the following:

• Information/explanation on diagnosis and treatment
• Referrals to other health care professionals as appropriate. For example, social work, stomal therapy nurse, dietitian, and psychosocial services.
• Coordinate care to ensure timeliness of appointments and treatments
• Be a central point of contact.

Other useful contacts

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6457 3333

Royal Perth Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9224 2244

Fiona Stanley Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6152 2222

Cancer Council WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides disease-specific information, counselling, complementary therapies, practical support (accommodation, wig library) legal advice and advocacy.

WA Psycho-Oncology Service
Tel: (08) 6457 1177
A clinical psychology service that offers a confidential, free counselling service to patients and families living with cancer.

WA Ostomy Association
Tel: (08) 9272 1833
Provides supplies for people with stomas. For information and advice please contact the stomal therapy department at your treating hospital.

SolarisCare
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.

Bowel Cancer Australia
Tel: 1800 727 336
Not-for-profit organisation that provides awareness, education, and research for people with bowel cancer.

Useful websites

Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au

Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses
Web: www.stomaltherapy.com

Bowel Cancer Australia
Web: www.bowelcanceraustralia.org