Your bowel cancer team may have a colorectal nurse specialist who is an expert in helping people with your type of cancer. You should also be able to talk with a stoma care nurse if you are going to have, or have had, surgery to your bowel.

For more information, you may find the following suggestions helpful:

Beating Bowel Cancer
Information on common bowel conditions; first visiting the GP; investigation; diagnosis; drugs; clinical trials; useful contacts and glossary. All the information is available as free leaflets, factsheets, and booklets. Available as downloads, by online request or order by telephone.
Tel.020 8892 5256
Email : info@beatingbowelcancer.org

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer)
CancerHelp (Cancer Research UK) site with information about diagnosing, treating and living with bowel cancer.

The Colostomy Association
National charity, formed to represent the interests of people with a colostomy and to give them support, practical information and non-medical advice. Free leaflets on Living with a colostomy, Healthy eating, Travel advice, and The personal carer. The Association organises and supports self-help groups.

Bowel Cancer UK
National charity. Produces free factsheets and booklets and co-ordiates a network of Patient Action Support Groups. For details contact their Patient Support Team on 020 7381 9711.
Information line: 08708 50 60 50 (specialist colorectal nurses)

Cancer of the large bowel
The Cancerbackup website covers general information, causes and diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, resources and support. Order booklets online, or tel: 020 7696 9003 for a printed copy (free to patients).
Telephone free for advice: 0808 800 1234 (to speak to a cancer nurse)

Cancer Index
Guide to internet resources for cancer. You can use this to find worldwide sites on bowel cancer and related subjects.

DIPEx (Database of Individual Patient Experience)
National charity. Patient experience website. It aims to inform patients' carers, families, and health professionals. Personal stories about how other people have coped with bowel cancer. DIPEx is a website which offers the opportunity to view video, hear audio and read about different patients' experiences.

The Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Support Group
Mutual support group for people who have had their colon removed and had either an ileostomy or an ileo-anal pouch created. There is a regional index to local groups on the site (and there is a group for younger members). It hosts online discussion forums.

Macmillan Cancer Support
UK charity whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer.
They provide practical support through:
CancerLine: 0808 808 20 20 (a free telephone information service staffed by specialist advisers).
They also run a benefits advice line for people with cancer and carers on: 0800 138 6568
Publications: order via CancerLine, online, or in writing from Macmillan Cancer Line, Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7RU.

National Association for Colitis & Crohn's Disease
National charity for people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (irritable bowel syndrome).
Information service, information sheets, benefits guidance, regional groups.
Information line: 0845 130 2233

National Library for Health
This site contains information on screening and diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, drugs, patient support, clinical guidelines and other topics.

Oncolink
University of Pennsylvania (USA) site for both public and professionals. Oncology (cancer study) news and information. Extensive and informative. Patients' questions & experts' answers. Latest news. Daily updates.

Carers

The charity Cancerbackup produces a useful series of leaflets:

Caring for someone with advanced cancer
Cancer and older people
If you are looking after someone who has fatigue

Cruse Bereavement Care
The largest bereavement charity in the UK. It offers help to people trying to cope with death, whatever their circumstances. They have a range of free factsheets, as well as books of various cost.
Helpline: 0870 167 1677
Free helpline for young people (12-17 years old): 0808 808 1677
Email: helpline@crusebereavementcare.org.uk