Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is like entering an unknown world. You will be confronted with the demands of the disease, a new vocabulary and the complexities of the health care system. Treatment options can be confusing. This is an emotionally stressful time for patients and those close to them.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer is a comprehensive program that gives you the information you need to actively participate in your care. Learn how to talk about cancer with your health care team and those close to you. Get the answers to your questions and gain control through understanding.

What is Colorectal Cancer?
This section gives patients an important introduction to colorectal cancer. It includes a discussion of risk factors and statistics about the disease. Easy-to-understand interactive diagrams explain cancer, and the anatomy and physiology of the colon and rectum.

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Diagnosis
The Diagnosis section focuses on recognizing symptoms, understanding investigations and tests, staging colorectal cancer and evaluating prognosis. It describes the symptoms of colorectal cancer, the methods used to detect it (e.g., physical examination, barium enema, ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, endoscopy, biopsy, blood tests) and the various factors that influence prognosis. Illustrative graphics and animations explain and contrast the staging systems for colorectal cancer, revealing how each stage describes the progress of the disease.

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Treatments
The Treatments section discusses both treatment decision-making and the details of each of the primary therapies for colorectal cancer: surgery (anatomical resection with anastomosis, en bloc resection, endoscopic polypectomy, electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, proctotomy, laparotomy and excision), radiation therapy, biological therapy and chemotherapy. It shows what to expect from each treatment approach, providing answers to the questions: Why are these treatments used? How do these treatments work? What will happen during my visits? How will I manage my side effects? For each type of treatment, narrated 3-D animations and diagrams reinforce the key concepts.

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Supportive Care
The Supportive Care section focuses on the medical, psychological and social services that help patients cope with the many challenges of colorectal cancer and its treatment. The topics include managing symptoms and side effects, sexuality and body image, physical therapy, living with an ostomy, pain management, relaxation techniques and complementary therapies. Sections on palliative care, spiritual support, psychological support and quality of life help patients address difficult emotional issues. Information on how to get in touch with support groups and services allows patients to seek out further assistance.

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Prevention and Early Detection
Prevention and early detection can play an important role in reducing the impact of colorectal cancer. This section describes the primary screening techniques: fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enema. In addition, it details techniques for the treatment of benign conditions such as polyps (e.g., endoscopic polypectomy and segmental resection) that lower the risk of cancer development. A discussion of familial colorectal cancer provides an overview of basic genetics, describes how genetic factors may affect the likelihood of developing the disease, and outlines treatment options.

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Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer and in dealing with the effects of the cancer and its treatments. The Diet and Nutrition section describes methods of reducing risk through diet. This section also provides details on how to address nutritional needs before, during and after treatment, with lists of foods recommended to lower risk and manage side effects.

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Resources
In addition to the wealth of information contained in this program, the Resources section provides references to other printed and online resources. A comprehensive glossary contains all the medical terms used in the program, with clear definitions and audio narrations that teach proper pronunciation.

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Clinical Level
The Clinical Level is directed at medical professionals and more experienced patients. Featuring discussions of the latest research and pathology studies, it introduces users to the principles of oncology and the key issues in the treatment of colorectal cancer. With the Clinical Level advanced learners can gain the understanding and vocabulary to specify their goals and expectations and take an active role in their care.

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Interactive Learning

Anatomy Mode. Three-dimensional interactive images allow you to explore complex details of anatomy to help you understand the effects of the disease on your body.

Animations. Animations reveal simplicity in complex ideas and procedures. They demonstrate and reinforce key concepts in a dynamic, easy-to-understand format.

Patient Interviews. This section features patients and caregivers telling their stories and offering their viewpoints. This unique component offers real-life examples of people dealing with every stage of cancer and allows users to share in the experiences of others.

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