Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Thursday, March 6, 2008

One of every 20 people will develop colorectal cancer. Chances of recovery are very good if the disease is detected early. Dr. Ken Davis discusses treatment options for colorectal cancer patients in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends upon the stage of the cancer, the location and size of the tumor.

Treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Surgery is used to treat most stages of colorectal cancer. If your cancer is found in an early stage, your doctor may use a colonoscope to remove the cancer. For a larger cancer, more extensive surgery may be required to remove the cancer and part of the colon.

Radiation therapy is standard treatment for certain types of colorectal cancer. Radiation therapy is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy uses medications that enter the bloodstream and destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be a treatment choice at any stage of colorectal cancer.  Chemotherapy may prolong survival, improve quality of life and relieve pain.

Colorectal cancer recurs in up to 40 percent of people, so follow-up care is very important.  Avoid this deadly disease by getting appropriate screening.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.