Colorectal cancer

UCLH is an established tertiary referral colorectal unit. We offer comprehensive surgical and medical treatment for anal, colon and rectal cancers. At UCLH we offer a range of services including:

Surgery
Our colorectal service has a ‘target referral’ system and fast-tracks investigations for the management of all suspected colorectal cancer. We also provide specialist surgical treatment for some patients within the London Cancer Sector diagnosed with primary and recurrent bowel/anal cancer. In addition to conventional surgery, the service also offers minimal access or keyhole surgery for many patients. The trust also runs a nurse-led follow-up service for patients who have completed treatment, to provide continuity of care, symptom management and to manage survivorship issues.

Radiotherapy
We provide a unique service for patients using a combination of PET-fusion and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to allow tissue-sparing and to reduce the long-term side effects of treatment.

Chemotherapy
We offer an outpatient chemotherapy service for all patients. Our team includes those involved in national trials and, as such, we offer patients access to phase 1, 2 and 3 trials. We also work closely with the oncology dietician who is available to see patients in the clinic.

Radiofrequency ablation/TACE
We offer an exceptional service for suitable patients with metastatic colorectal disease.

Colonic stenting
We provide a daily colonic stenting service for patients admitted who are in obstruction.

Bowel cancer screening
UCLH is the North London screening centre for the national bowel cancer screening programme.