As this eMedTV segment explains, treating colon cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of methods. This article talks about treatment options, second opinions, follow-up care, and clinical trials on colon cancer.
It is common to classify colon cancer treatment by stage, or the extent of the disease. This eMedTV segment breaks down colon cancer treatment by stage and describes common treatments employed for stage 0 through stage IV and recurrent colon cancer.
In cases of colon cancer, surgery is the most commonly used treatment. This eMedTV segment explains in detail the various types of surgery for this disease, such as local excision, resection surgery, and radiofrequency ablation.
As one of the treatments for colon cancer, chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. This eMedTV resource discusses this treatment option for colon cancer, including information about possible side effects, such as hair loss and nausea.
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation treatment for colon cancer, uses radiation to kill cancer cells. This eMedTV Web page discusses this treatment options at length, with information about common side effects and what to do if you experience them.
Meditation and massage are possible alternative treatments for colon cancer. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at these and other alternative treatments and provides a list of questions to ask when considering such methods.
As this eMedTV segment explains, colon cancer support groups, members of the healthcare team, and loved ones can help those coping with the disease. This article discusses these and other sources of colon cancer support, such as social workers.
For people with coping with colon cancer, pain can be a problem. This eMedTV article discusses methods for relieving or reducing colon cancer pain, such as the use of medicines, alternative therapies, and radiation therapy.
One aspect of "colon cancer nutrition" involves getting enough protein to maintain your strength. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at colon cancer nutrition and includes advice for coping with eating-related side effects of treatment.
For people with colon cancer, diet is an important factor in treatment and recovery. This eMedTV article discusses the importance of eating enough to maintain a healthy weight on a colon cancer diet -- even when treatment makes eating a chore.
This eMedTV article contains several "colon cancer recipes" specifically designed to address the special nutritional challenges posed by the cancer. Colon cancer recipes contained in this article include those for high-protein and banana milkshakes.
As this eMedTV segment explains, for diseases such as colon cancer, survival rates refer to the percentage of people who survive for a specific period after diagnosis. This article includes five-year survival rates based on patients' race and sex.
Once treatment is complete, follow-up care for colon cancer is necessary to monitor recovery. As this eMedTV article explains, cancer cells may remain in the body -- even after treatment. Follow-up care for colon cancer involves checkups and tests.
