Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. It is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, and is more common in those aged over 50 years. Colorectal cancer is also the second most common cause of cancer death and accounts for 9% of all cancer deaths. This profile of colorectal cancer in Australia highlights the need for guidelines to ensure clinical best practice in its prevention, detection and management.The Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancer aim to provide information and recommendations to guide practice across the continuum of cancer care including colorectal cancer prevention, screening and diagnosis, clinical aspects of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, follow-up and psychosocial care. The guidelines also provide an evidence base for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program