What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?created at May 04, 2009Colorectal cancer symptoms often develop gradually and can be subtle at first,sometimes mimicking other conditions.Common symptoms include changes in bowel habits (constipation,diarrhea,or narrowing of the stool),rectal bleeding or blood in the stool,persi... |
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: A Vital Insightcreated at May 04, 2009Colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, presents a significant public health concern. Despite its alarming prevalence, advancements in detection and treatment have contributed to a decline in mortality rat... |
What are the side effects of treatment for Colorectal Cancer?created at May 04, 2009It is often hard to limit the effects of therapy so that only cancer cells are removed or destroyed. Because healthy tissue may also be damaged, treatment can cause unpleasant side effects. The side effects of cancer treatment are different for each person... |
What should I know before surgery for Colorectal Cancer?created at May 04, 2009These are some questions you may want to ask the doctor before surgery: What kind of operation will it be? How will I feel afterward? If I have pain, how will you help me? Will I need a colostomy? Will it be temporary or permanent? How long will I be in th... |
Biological Therapy for Colorectal Cancercreated at May 04, 2009Biological therapy is a cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune (defense) system attack and destroy cancer cells. For some patients, biological therapy may be combined with chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after surgery. Patients may need to stay ... |
Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancercreated at May 04, 2009Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. Like surgery, radiation therapy is local therapy; it can affect cancer only in the treated area. Radiation is sometimes used befo... |
Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancercreated at May 04, 2009Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is sometimes given after surgery for colorectal cancer to try to prevent the disease from recurring, or coming back. This additional treatment is called adjuvant therapy. The doctor may us... |
Surgery for Colorectal Cancercreated at May 04, 2009Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer and may be the only treatment needed. The type of operation depends on the location and size of the tumor. Most patients have a partial colectomy. In this operation, the surgeon takes out the part ... |
What do I need to know about the treatment for colorectal cancer?created at May 04, 2009The doctor develops a treatment plan to fit each patient’s needs. Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the disease, the patient’s general health, and other factors. Most people who have cancer want t... |
How will I be diagnosed for colorectal cancer?created at May 04, 2009To find the cause of symptoms, the doctor will ask about your personal and family medical history. He will do a physical exam, and may order laboratory tests. In addition to the exams discussed above, the doctor may also order the following tests: Lower GI... |
What can I do to detect it?created at May 04, 2009Most health problems respond best to treatment when they are diagnosed and treated as early as possible. This is especially true of colorectal cancer. Treatment is most effective before the disease spreads. People can take an active role in the early detec... |
The risk factors for developing colorectal cancer?created at May 04, 2009Some people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Studies have found that certain factors increase a person’s risk. The following are risk factors for this disease: Polyps – Most (perhaps all) colorectal cancers develop in polyps. Pol... |
How do I prevent colon-rectal (colorectal) cancer?created at May 04, 2009Although colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, scientists are trying to learn more about what causes the disease and how it can be prevented. Doctors do not yet know why one person gets colorectal cancer and anot... |
What about a second opinion for Colorectal Cancer?created at May 03, 2009Seeking a second opinion for a colorectal cancer diagnosis is a common and prudent step.A second opinion allows you to gain additional perspectives on the diagnosis,staging,treatment plan,and prognosis from another qualified oncologist or colorectal surgeo... |