Guidance on GI effects of cancer treatment
Help for cancer survivors with consequences of treatment – first ever guidance for clinicians
Cancer survivors often face severe difficulties with the effects of their cancer treatment. Macmillan has funded the first ever clinical guidance, out this month in the medical journal ‘Gut’, to help professionals deal with all the acute and chronic gastrointestinal problems which can occur as a result of treatment for cancer.
“Should be required reading for all who treat patients for cancer or its sequelae”.
Peer reviewer of the published guidance in ‘Gut’
Through the work of the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative, it became clear that a whole host of problems are not being adequately dealt with, particularly those that arise many months or even years after treatment has finished. Patients can suffer for years, causing great distress and loss of dignity.
Jane Maher, Macmillan Chief Medical Officer, said “While the guidance will be invaluable to gastroenterologists, it is also essential reading for oncologists, GI surgeons, cancer nurse specialists, dieticians, GPs and commissioners. To improve quality of life for this neglected group of patients we need multidisciplinary teams to use this guidance not only to diagnose and treat patients, but to help patients better understand and cope with their condition.”
The guidance was commissioned from the British Society of Gastroenterology, who developed it in partnership with the Royal College of Radiologists Faculty of Clinical Oncology, the Association of Upper GI Surgeons and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. It was launched on 21st November 2011 at a symposium in Manchester, organised by the NCSI Consequences of Treatment project team. Launch event materials and presentations
‘Practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic GI problems arising as a result of treatment for cancer’ is available to download here or can be read online in Gut.
Bowel management algorithm
The NCSI is very keen to find clinical teams willing to test a work-in-progress version of the Royal Marsden bowel management algorithm, for GI effects of pelvic radiotherapy. Results from current studies show that quality of life can be dramatically improved for patients with debilitating problems such as diarrhoea, incontinence and pain. The improvement can usually be achieved within 4 to 5 appointments with a gastroenterologist, or other trained professional working with the gastroenterologist, using the algorithm. If you are interested in testing the algorithm, please view the algorithm cover note and the algorithm.
Patient Association for people with Pelvic Radiation Disease
The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association is a patient-led group whose aims are to provide support for people of all ages suffering from pelvic radiation damage, and to campaign for better recognition of pelvic radiation disease, as well as improved facilities for treatment within the NHS. For more information please visit www.prda.info .
Last updated on December 20, 2011