what are the treatment options for colon cancer

Is colon cancer very curable?

Cancer of the colon is a highly treatable and often curable disease when localized to the bowel. Surgery is the primary form of treatment and results in cure in approximately 50% of the patients. Recurrence following surgery is a major problem and is often the ultimate cause of death.

What is the first treatment for colon cancer?

People with colon cancers that have not spread to distant sites usually have surgery as the main or first treatment. Chemotherapy may also be used after surgery (called adjuvant treatment). Most adjuvant treatment is given for about 6 months.

What is the average life expectancy with colon cancer?

5-year relative survival rates for colon cancerSEER stage5-year relative survival rateLocalized91%Regional72%Distant14%All SEER stages combined64%Mar 1, 2022

Can colon cancer be cured with medicine?

Colorectal cancer can also be treated using drugs, which can be given by mouth or directly into the bloodstream. These are called systemic treatments because they can reach cancer cells throughout almost all the body.

Does colon cancer spread fast?

Once cancer has developed in the colon, its progression will vary according to the cellular makeup of the tumor and other factors, such as the age and overall health of the patient. The general progression of colon cancer tends to be slow, but it is still a serious disease that warrants prompt medical attention.

At what stage of colon cancer do symptoms appear?

Colon cancer symptoms are more noticeable in stages 3 and 4. In addition to the above symptoms, you might also experience: excessive fatigue. unexplained weakness.

Is colon cancer always fatal?

For colon cancer, the overall 5-year survival rate for people is 64%. If the cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage, the survival rate is 91%. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 72%.

Can you live a normal life with colon cancer?

Myth: Most of the time, when you are diagnosed with colon cancer, it is already spreading to other parts of your body. Fact: This is simply not true. The majority of patients diagnosed with colon cancer can be treated and will go on to live normal lives.

Can you live 10 years with stage 4 colon cancer?

A growing number of people with stage IV colon cancer live longer than 2 years. And for a small group of people with cancer that has only spread to your liver or lung, surgery might even cure it. Also remember that survival rates are based on studies that were done a few years ago.

How long can you live with untreated colon cancer?

The results showed the median survival of patients to be 24 months (range 16–42). One-year survival was found to be 65% while the 2-year survival was found to be 25%. A satisfactory quality of life was also observed.

How is colon cancer removed?

A colectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the colon. Nearby lymph nodes are also removed. If only part of the colon is removed, it's called a hemicolectomy, partial colectomy, or segmental resection. The surgeon takes out the part of the colon with the cancer and a small segment of normal colon on either side.

What are the major causes of colon cancer?

A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps....Lack of regular physical activity.A diet low in fruit and vegetables.A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.Overweight and obesity.Alcohol consumption.Tobacco use.