Colon and Rectal Cancer

Treatment

Studies have shown that patients treated by colorectal surgeons - experts in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of colon and rectal problems - are more likely to survive colorectal cancer and experience fewer complications.  This is attributed to colorectal surgeons' advanced training and the high volume of colon and rectal disease surgeries they perform.

Surgery is required in nearly all cases of colorectal cancer for a complete cure, which is sometimes accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.  Between 80-90 percent of colorectal cancer patients are restored to normal health if the cancer is detected and treated in the early stages, but the cure rate drops to 50 percent if treatment does not begin until later disease stages.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery - Follow-Up Evaluation

Surgery is the most effective treatment for colorectal cancer. A postoperative follow up program is very important.  Even when all visible cancer has been removed, it is possible for cancer cells to be present in other areas of the body.  These cancer deposits, when very small, are undetectable at the time of surgery, but they can begin to grow at a later time.  The chance of recurrence depends on the characteristics of the original cancer, the biology of the tumor, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy  or other follow up treatment. Patients with recurrent cancers - if diagnosed early - may benefit by further surgery or other treatment.

Another good reason for postoperative follow up is to look for new colon or rectal polyps.  Approximately one in five patients who has had colon cancer will develop a new polyp at a later time in life.  It is important to detect and remove these polyps before they become cancerous.

How long will my follow-up program last?

Most recurrent cancers are detected within the first two years after surgery. Therefore, follow up is most frequent during this period of time. After five years, nearly all cancers that are going to recur will have done so.  Follow up after five years is primarily to detect new polyps, and can, therefore, be less frequent but advisable for life.

What about my family?

First degree relatives of patients with colon and rectal cancer (parents, brothers, sisters, children) are increased risk for the disease. Because of this, periodic examination of the colon is advised.   If polyps are promptly detected and removed, most cancers cannot develop.  Other factors which increase the risk of developing polyps or cancer include cancer occuring at an early age and a personal history of breast or female genital cancer.