Cancer
Advanced Bowel Cancer
Patient Information Leaflet
Introduction
This leaflet is for people who have had a diagnosis of advanced bowel cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum which has spread to other parts of the body. You may hear this called metastatic or secondary bowel or colorectal cancer.
It is to provide you with information about the metastatic colorectal nursing service, how to contact them and how they can help you. We hope you find this leaflet useful but if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Who are the Metastatic Colorectal Specialist Nurses?
We are nurses who specialise in advanced bowel cancer. We work as part of the multidisciplinary team, alongside other healthcare professionals. We offer specialist support and information to you, your family and carers throughout your cancer treatment.
How can the Specialist Nurses help me?
The specialist nurses can help you in the following ways:
- Act as a contact for you and your carers within the hospital throughout your treatment and care.
- Provide information, support and advice about your illness and treatment.
- Provide a full explanation about the aims of treatment, the benefits, possible side effects and potential alternatives.
- Give advice on managing symptoms you may have as a result of your illness or treatment.
- Help identify sources of practical and financial help.
- Carry out an assessment of your individual needs.
- Liaise with other health professionals who may be involved with your care including, but not exclusive to, hospital doctors, GP district nurses and community palliative care nurses.
You may see a member of the specialist nursing team from time to time in clinic, or if you are admitted to hospital due to your illness or treatment related side effects.
You can contact the specialist nurses for advice and support at any stage of your illness and treatment.
Who is in the Specialist Nurses team?
Sam Cook- Metastatic Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
You can phone or email us:
Telephone: 01384 456111 extension 2619
Email: dgft.metastaticcolorectalcns@nhs.net
You can reach us between the following hours:
8am-4pm Monday to Friday
There is an answerphone facility if we are not available. Please leave a message and we will call you back.
Can I find out more?
Further support, information and services are available from:
- Bowel Cancer UK
Telephone 020 7940 1760
- White house Cancer Support
10 Ednam Road
Dudley
DY1 1JX
01384 231232
http://www.support4cancer.org.uk
- Cancer Research UK – Telephone 0300 123 1022
- Macmillan Cancer Support – 0808 808 00 00
- Penny Brohn UK – 0303 300 0118
- Mary Stevens Hospice Day Unit – 01384 443010
If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet. If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net
This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.
Originator: Oncology. Date reviewed July 2025. Review date: January 2027 . Version 1 . DGH ref: DGH/PIL/02188