OBJECTIVES: To review the incidence, risk factors, staging, diagnosis, and treatment of colon, rectal, and anal cancers, as well as nursing care associated with managing patients diagnosed with these malignancies. DATA SOURCES: Published research reports, epidemiologic data, published patient management guidelines, and institution-based clinical tools. CONCLUSIONS: Significant advances in the management of colon, rectal, and anal cancers in the past decade have extended patient survival. Further clinical research will refine current therapeutic strategies and treatment decision-making aids while minimizing symptoms of disease and treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to be familiar with risk factors, disease course, and current and emerging therapies to assist patients with treatment decision-making, and to anticipate and intervene in managing disease and treatment-induced problems. Early identification and management of distressing symptoms can help to avoid life-threatening effects and promote patient adherence to prescribed therapies; timely patient/family education may minimize anxiety and promote self-management.
OBJECTIVES: To review the incidence, risk factors, staging, diagnosis, and treatment of colon, rectal, and anal cancers, as well as nursing care associated with managing patients diagnosed with these malignancies. DATA SOURCES: Published research reports, epidemiologic data, published patient management guidelines, and institution-based clinical tools. CONCLUSIONS: Significant advances in the management of colon, rectal, and anal cancers in the past decade have extended patient survival. Further clinical research will refine current therapeutic strategies and treatment decision-making aids while minimizing symptoms of disease and treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to be familiar with risk factors, disease course, and current and emerging therapies to assist patients with treatment decision-making, and to anticipate and intervene in managing disease and treatment-induced problems. Early identification and management of distressing symptoms can help to avoid life-threatening effects and promote patient adherence to prescribed therapies; timely patient/family education may minimize anxiety and promote self-management.