Colorectal cancer: role of primary care nurses in identification, prevention and support

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of death from cancer in the UK. It is treatable if diagnosed early, but its signs and symptoms are often non-specific and can also indicate less serious conditions. Primary care nurses need to know when to investigate patients for suspected colorectal cancer and possibly refer them to secondary care. Many risk factors for colorectal cancer are modifiable, so another crucial role of primary care nurses is to identify at-risk patients and discuss preventive strategies with them. For example, people with Lynch syndrome have an extremely high risk of colorectal cancer, and these patients require management strategies focused on surveillance and risk reduction. Patients who undergo treatment for colorectal cancer have specific support needs, and primary care nurses are well placed to help them manage daily life with and beyond colorectal cancer.