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Foreword

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Challenges in Colorectal Cancer provides a unique perspective in the management of this difficult problem. This book is aimed at the entire medical team rather than a specific specialty or subspecialty. Gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterology specialty nurses, radiotherapists, and other health care professionals involved in the management of patients with colorectal cancer can find the latest guidance for the most challenging and controversial aspects of this disease. The book features leading international editors and contributors. It provides the latest guidelines on the epidemiology and prevention of colorectal cancer, the application of molecular genetics, and new strategies for screening. It provides a synopsis of surgical management including new laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques, and the emerging role of genetic and pathologic staging. It is an up-to-date record of the rapidly evolving alternatives in the oncologic management of this disease, including the new chemotherapeutic alternatives and evolving radiotherapeutic techniques.

I am excited about this book, and particularly about this group of editors and well-recognized contributors. This should be a significant contribution to the library of anyone managing this disease.

Robert W. Beart, Jr, 2006

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