OncoLink is one of the oldest and largest cancer information resources on the Internet. OncoLink was developed to provide patients and healthcare providers with the most up-to-date and accurate information on cancer related issues. Based at the University of Pennsylvania, OncoLink provides a high level of integrity and peer-review and has become one of the most trusted resources for cancer information.
OncoLink’s content is driven by the needs of its’ user base. An "ask the experts" section was established by the editors of OncoLink to address the most important issues of patients and healthcare providers in a timely fashion. OncoLink currently receives hundreds of email questions per week. Numerous experts in the field of oncology answer these questions. This book consists of a compilation of questions regarding colorectal cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and management. Included in this book is a cancer diary for the reader to keep track of important information including physician contacts, medication lists, and previous treatments. Also, in the appendix section is the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) questionnaire. This was developed for patients interested in becoming involved with colorectal cancer prevention and treatment trials. The questionnaire can be filled out directly online at the OncoLink website, or mailed to OncoLink for entry in the database. The database is regularly searched by NCCRA scientists for patients that match new clinical trials and are willing to consider participation.
This is the first book in what is hoped to be a series of publications from OncoLink based on disease condition. We hope this book benefits you and your family.
Sincerely,
James M. Metz, MD
Katrina Claghorn, MS, RD is a registered dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. She has specialized in oncology nutrition.
Carolyn Coyle, MSN, RN, AOCN is a certified advanced practice oncology nurse. She has developed a strong knowledge of colon cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.
Margaret K. Hampshire, RN, BSN, OCN is the Managing Editor of OncoLink and a certified oncology nurse. She coordinates all content on the OncoLink website and has a strong interest in cancer patient education.
Timothy C. Hoops, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Gastroenterology Division at the University of Pennsylvania. He specializes in colorectal cancer and is the Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program with the University of Pennsylvania. His interests include colon cancer screening and prevention.
James D. Lewis, MD, MSCE, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Senior Scholar at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Senior Fellow in the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. His program has focused largely on cancer prevention and the pharmacoepidemiology of gastrointestinal diseases.
Li Liu, MD is a radiation oncologist at St. Agnes Cancer Center in Fresno California. He specializes in the use of radiation to treat a variety of malignancies.
James M. Metz, MD is Editor-in-Chief of OncoLink and Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. His interests include the clinical applications of photodynamic therapy (PDT), the utilization of complementary and alternative medications by cancer patients, and use of the Internet to provide cancer related information.
Lora Packel MS, PT is the Coordinator of Cancer Therapy Services for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She works with cancer patients before, during and after treatment with the ultimate goal of increasing quality of life through exercise.
Anil K. Rustgi, MD is an expert in the clinical and genetic aspects of colon cancer. His work involves the discovery of new genes in colon cancer. Dr. Rustgi is also devoted to the clinical aspects of inherited colon cancer and sporadic colon cancer.
Bradley Somer, MD is currently practicing Hematology-Oncology at the West Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. He has won awards for outstanding scholarship, devotion to patient care, and concern for colleagues.
James P. Stevenson, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focus is in early clinical trials of novel agents for the treatment of lung cancer.
Ellen Sweeney-Cordes MS, RD is a registered dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. She has specialized in oncology nutrition for the past four years.
Richard Whittington, MD is a Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Whittington's long standing interest is in the management of rectal tumors.
