Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives!
Treating Colorectal Cancer
A
good medical team is one
of the keys to successful colon cancer treatment and recovery. In
addition to your primary care physician an oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer) will often
act as the
coordinator of your care.
Your team might include gastroenterologists
(doctor who specializes in the digestive system), surgeons, and
radiation specialists,
pathologists, and psychologists to help patients cope with this new
diagnosis. The type of treatment you medical team recommends will depend largely on the location and the stage of your cancer. The main types of treatment that can be used for colorectal cancer are:
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Follow
these links for in-depth information about treatment for colorectal
cancer: Treatment of Colon and Rectal Cancer from the National Cancer Institute including the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Colon and Rectum Learn about colon and rectal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doc
Colorectal Cancer Treatment Decision Tool from the American Cancer Society. Get help sorting through your treatment options. Colon and Rectum Cancer Detailed Guide From the American Cancer Society with extensive medical details including staging, treatment, tips for talking with your health care team, what happens after treatment and additional resources. Guide to the Stages of Colon Cancer and Treatment Options from the National Cancer Institute.
Getting a Second Opinion Before starting treatment you may want to get a second opinion before making a decision about your treatment plan. A second opinion can confirm or suggest modifications to your proposed treatment plan, provide reassurance that you have explored all of your options, and answer any questions you may have. Many insurance companies will cover a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it. The National Cancer Institute provides a helpful fact sheet called How to Find a Doctor of Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer. Complimentary Medicine Many choose to incorporate complimentary treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets, and meditation into their treatment plan. Be sure to discuss this with your treatment team. Things that seem safe, such as certain herbal teas, may change the way standard treatment works. You may find it helpful to read the NCI booklet Thinking About Complementary & Alternative Medicine: A guide for people with cancer. |
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Reducing Risks Colon cancer is highly treatable when found early and preventable with regular screenings. If everybody age 50 and over had regular screening tests as many as 60% of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented. Ask your doctor when to begin screening and what tests are right for you. Be sure to mention any personal or family medical history that may put you into a higher risk category. Keep in mind that screening is important in healthy people that don’t have symptoms. In addition to undergoing regular screenings, studies suggest that people can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by eating a diet that reduces consumption of fat and red meat and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, having a physically active lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking.
More on treatments for colorectal cancer on the web:
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