September

We have identified a problem with high local recurrence rates for rectal cancer in BC. Our overall local recurrence rates are about 16%,[1] compared to 4% to 8% in trials using preoperative adjuvant radiation and the surgical technique total mesorectal excision (TME).[2-4] The Netherlands,[2] Sweden,[3] and Norway[4] have all achieved marked reduction in local recurrence rates for rectal cancer patients by altering their management of rectal cancer in national projects.

References

The sun has risen on the first day of the next 7 years: the time that Vancouver and the rest of Canada have to prepare to welcome the world to the 2010 Winter Olympics! As I drove to work recently I listened to the comments of various citizens on the radio, and the person whose comments stayed with me was the grandfather expressing his hopes that having the Olympics here would inspire his grandchildren—not to become Olympic heroes but to get more involved in sports and thus experience a healthier, happier life.

References

Local recurrence: A major problem in rectal cancer

Consider the case of a 59-year-old male who presents with a 3-month history of rectal bleeding and increasing constipation. On examination, a palpable rectal tumor of 4 cm diameter is found. The tumor is located on the posterior wall of the rectum 5 cm from the anal verge. By palpation the tumor is mobile but invades the full thickness of the bowel wall into the perirectal fat. Endoscopy and biopsy are performed to confirm the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The patient is brought urgently to the operating room for abdominoperineal resection.