The objective of this first meeting is to decide if the cancer is metastatic or not and to decide on the related therapeutic options.
The need for a psychosocial help must be evaluated and, if required, the help has to be started.
If possible, the general practitioner of the patient should attend this meeting. If not, the staging has to be fully and clearly communicated to the GP and/or specialist of the patient.
Optimal care of patients undergoing stoma creation surgery would include pre-operative counselling by a stoma nurse. Clinicians must be aware of the potential for sexual problems after all rectal cancer surgery, including sphincter-saving operations.
Patients should be given clear information about the potential risks and benefits of treatment in order that they can understand adequately the therapeutic decision.
Information about local support services should be made available to both the patient and their relatives.
Healthcare professionals should respect patients' wishes to be involved when making plans about their own management.