The five-year survival rate for colon cancer varies greatly. It depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of treatment chosen, and the risk factors involved. According to the SEER study, five-year survival rates for stage I, IIA, and IIIB were 74%, 67%, and 58%, respectively. Stage IV had a survival rate of just 5%. The survival rates for stage IV vary by risk factors and are from 2010 to 2016.
People over fifty years old and those with a family history of colon polyps are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. There are also lifestyle factors that can contribute to the development of polyps. People who are overweight, smoke, and drink alcohol may be at increased risk. In addition, colon cancer can be hereditary in some cases. Although there is no cure, early detection is essential to avoid a potentially fatal condition. If you have any of these risk factors, speak with your doctor. Your primary care provider can recommend a diet and lifestyle change that will reduce the likelihood of colon cancer and prevent it before it strikes.
Stage I is the first type of colon cancer. Stage I is the most common form of the disease. This form of cancer has not spread to lymph nodes and has not yet spread to nearby organs. Stage II is the most advanced stage, and the best way to get treatment for stage III is by undergoing surgery. Treatment may include chemotherapy and radiation. It depends on your specific case. For instance, if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, you may need chemotherapy in addition to surgery.
A fecal DNA test can detect signs of colon cancer. It can detect abnormal genetic material in your stool, which is found in both the normal and abnormal colon cells. These abnormal cells can be the cause of colorectal cancer and large polyps. Luckily, some mutations can be detected through this method. If they are detected, your doctor can perform surgery to remove them. These tests are often effective and have helped many people find the cancer earlier.
A doctor will perform a partial colectomy to remove the cancer and healthy tissue around the affected area. A doctor may perform an anastomosis, which stitches the healthy parts of the colon together, and then perform a biopsy to check for cancer cells. A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test will also be done to check for CEA levels in your blood. Although the test is a good indication of colon cancer, it may also show other conditions.
Patients with CRC will usually develop metastases, with the majority of these occurring in the liver. In these cases, peri-operative chemotherapy can help reduce the risk of metastasis and slow tumor growth. A monoclonal antibody medication is a powerful immunotherapy that blocks VEGF, a substance released by tumors that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. In addition to these drugs, monoclonal antibody medication is a valuable tool for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
