Medical Devices
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What Is Colorectal Cancer? What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
but has not yet spread beyond the wall of the rectum or colon. *Stage II (Also known as Duke C stage). - it has grown through or into the wall of the colon or rectum. However, it has not reached the nearby lymph nodes yet. *Stage III (Also known as Duke D stage). - the nearby lymph nodes have been invaded by the cancer, but it has not yet affected other parts of the body. *Stage IV (Also known as Duke E stage). - it has spread to other parts of the body, including other organs, such as the liver, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, lung, or ovary. *Recurrent - the cancer has returned after treatment. It may come back and affect the rectum, colon, or elsewhere in the body. Scientists have found that the presence of a biomarker in regional lymph nodes is an independent predictor of disease recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer. Treatment for colorectal cancer The patient"s treatment will depend on several factors, including its size and location, the stage of the cancer, whether or not it is recurrent, and the current overall state of health of the patient. A good specialist will explain all the treatment options available to the patient. This is an opportunity for the patient to ask questions and get advice on lifestyle changes that will help recovery. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery: *Surgery This is the most common colorectal cancer treatment. The affected malignant tumors and any lymph nodes that are nearby will be removed. Surgeons remove lymph nodes because they are the first place cancers tend to spread to. The bowel is usually sewn back together. On some occasions the rectum may need to be taken out completely - a colostomy bag is then attached for drainage. The colostomy bag collects stools and is generally placed temporarily - sometimes it may be a permanent measure if it is not possible to join up the ends of the bowel. If the cancer is diagnosed early enough, surgery may be the only treatment necessary to cure the patient of colorectal cancer. Even if surgery does not cure the patient, it will ease the symptoms. *Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves using a medicine (chemical) to destroy the cancerous cells. It is commonly used for colon cancer treatment. It may be used before surgery in an attempt to shrink the tumor. A study found that patients with advanced colon cancer who receive chemotherapy and who have a family history of colorectal cancer have a significantly lower likelihood of cancer recurrence and death. *Radiotherapy Radiotherapy uses high energy radiation beams to destroy the cancer cells, and also to prevent them from multiplying. This treatment is more commonly used for rectal cancer treatment. It may be used before surgery in an attempt to shrink the tumor. Doctors may order both radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgery as they can help lower the chances of recurrence. Scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Milwaukee have learned that a protein, CXCL12, that normally controls intestinal cell movement, has the potential to halt colorectal cancer spreading. Recovery from colorectal cancer Malignant tumors will most probably grow and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The chances of a complete cure depend enormously on how early the cancer is diagnosed and treated. A patient"s recovery depends of the following factors: *The cancer stage when diagnosis was made. *Whether a hole or blockage was created in the colon by the cancer. *Whether the cancer has come back. *The patient"s general state of health. Prevention We can do quite a lot to lower our chances of developing colorectal cancer: *Regular screenings - especially if you have had colorectal cancer before, you are over 60, there is a family history of this type of cancer, you have Crohn"s disease. Some experts say screening should start after the age of 50. *Nutrition - make sure your diet has plenty of fiber, fruit, vegetables, and good quality carbohydrates. Keep your consumption of red meat and processed meat down to a minimum, or cut them out altogether. Switch from saturated fats to good quality fats, such as avocado, olive oil, fish oils, and nuts. However, this study found that although vegetarians have an overall lower risk of developing cancers, their risk of developing colorectal cancer is higher than meat eaters. *Exercise - exercise regularly. Moderate, regular exercise has been shown to have a significant impact on lowering a person"s risk of developing colorectal cancer. *Bodyweight - keep your bodyweight healthy. Being overweight or obese raises a person"s risk of developing many cancers, including colorectal cancer. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News TodayPages: 1 [2]