Non-Profit Organizations

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
www.ccfa.org
A non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of patients and finding a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Patient education materials
• Selected peer-reviewed articles from the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases journal

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
A nationwide, non-profit organization providing information, research support, and community programs and services.

• Patient-friendly information about cancer care
• Treatment decision tools
• Advice for patients on choosing providers and facilities for care

National Comprehensive Cancer Network
www.nccn.org
A not-for-profit alliance of 21 cancer centers, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer care.

• Guidelines for colon and rectal cancer treatment
• Patient-friendly summaries to help with treatment decisions (planned for 2009)
• Links to additional resources

Professional Societies

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
www.fascrs.org
A society of surgeons concerned with improving patient care through scientific advancements and education to prevent and treat disorders of the colon, rectum and anus.

• Database of surgeons
• Patient-friendly information
• Practice parameters and position statements

American College of Gastroenterology
www.acg.gi.org
A physicians' professional organization with goals including advancing knowledge of gastrointestinal disease, educating specialists, and ensuring quality care.

• Patient education materials
• Physician education opportunities
• Practice guidelines

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
www.sages.org
Surgical society concerned with education, training, research, and standards of care, including attention to minimally invasive techniques.

• Clinical practice guidelines and position statements
• Patient information in English, Spanish, French, Polish, and Vietnamese
• Information for physicians including videos of laparoscopic surgeries

Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
www.sls.org
A non-profit, multispecialty organization created to provide a forum for health professionals interested in laparoscopic, endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.

• Access to the society's peer-reviewed journal
• Access to a textbook on prevention and management of surgical complications
• Database of member surgeons

American Gastroenterological Association
www.gastro.org
A medical specialty society dedicated to advancing the science and improving the practice of gastroenterology.

• Information for patients, including video and webcasts
• Physician education opportunities
• Practice guidelines

Government Resources

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
A division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, with a web site offering extensive information about cancer prevention and treatment.

• Information for patients
• Detailed research summaries for physicians, including information about surgical options
• Information about clinical trials

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
An online service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, including information about diseases affecting the colon.

• Patient-friendly information
• Spanish-language pages
• Links to other organizations