Digestive System

Screening for colorectal cancer involves special tests performed on people who have no symptoms of a particular illness. Good screening tests are: Safe Relatively inexpensive Proven effective in detecting the disease at an early stage and reducing the death rate from that disease Current screening tests for colorectal cancer meet these four requirements and include:

If people experience symptoms like those of colorectal cancer, they need to make an appointment with their family physician, a gastroenterologist, a physician specially trained in the management of digestive system disorders, or a colon and rectal surgeon, a specialist in treatment of diseases of the colon. The doctor performs a thorough clinical evaluation that

Staging is a method to describe how advanced a cancer is. Staging for colorectal cancer takes into account the depth of invasion into the colon wall, and spread to lymph nodes and other organs: Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ. This is a precancerous condition, usually found in

The outlook for people with colon cancer has improved steadily in recent years. Three types of treatment are available for individuals with colon cancer: Surgery is an operation that involves removing the cancerous section of the colon. This is the primary treatment for colon cancer for most individuals. Chemotherapy involves treatment with drugs that destroy fast-growing cells,

The goal of surgery for colorectal cancer is to eliminate the cancer or, in the case of advanced disease, relieve symptoms. With the exception of some less serious operations performed through the anus, surgery for colorectal cancer is a major operative procedure. Some very early, small colorectal cancers may be removed with a colonoscope. In most

Chemotherapy is the planned, periodic administration of a special drug or a combination of drugs that destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given: Orally, in pill form By intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning by direct injection into a vein. The drug enters the bloodstream rapidly and circulates throughout the body. Through a catheter or thin tube

Radiation therapy is a treatment option for colon cancer. This form of therapy involves the use of x-rays or other high-energy rays to shrink tumors by destroying cancer cells. Because colon cancer sometimes recurs at its original site, radiation therapy may used to decrease the chances of cancer recurrence. Radiation treatments may be used prior

When people with colon cancer are treated early, they may achieve full long-term remission. People who have experienced colon cancer – even if their prognosis is good – may worry excessively that the disease will come back or recur. Cancer of the colon may recur at or near the original site. Those who have had

There are several techniques, including screening tests and lifestyle changes, associated with the prevention of colorectal cancer. The best way to help prevent colorectal cancer is to: Schedule regular colorectal cancer screening tests with your doctor. In this way, small polyps may be discovered before they become cancerous. Avoid diets high in fat, alcohol, protein, calories, and

Here are some frequently asked questions related to colorectal cancer. Q: Why isn’t everyone screened for cancer? A: Screening for colorectal cancer is in its early stages. Not all doctors screen for colorectal cancer, or some patients may be reluctant to go for testing. This is unfortunate because widespread screening could save up to 30,000 lives