You’d give up almost anything for a chance to beat your cancer. And many treatments will test your resolve to do just that. Hair loss is one of the sacrifices most-often associated with chemo and radiation. Here’s what you can expect.
The course and choice of cancer treatment are influenced by the characteristics of the cancer, the overall condition of the patient and whether the treatment is meant to eradicate the cancer, stop it from spreading or to address the symptoms caused by the cancer. Choice cancer Care provides personal support regarding the choice made about a patient’s cancer treatment.
Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon and rectum, and it is ranked as the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the United States. The exact causes are not known, and it is not contagious. Research shows that specific risk factors lead to colorectal cancer as follows:
Colorectal cancer is likely to affect people, as they get older. More than 90% of diagnosis is in people with over 50 years of age, with the average age at diagnosis being 72.
Colorectal polyps – growths on the inner wall of the rectum or colon, which are adenomas can turn cancerous.
A family history of colorectal cancer can be hereditary.
Changes in certain genes increase the colorectal cancer risk.
Personal history of cancer: Colorectal cancer recurs. Also, women with a history of ovarian, endometrium or breast cancer are at higher risk of contracting colorectal cancer.
Crohn disease: Anyone with the condition that causes inflammation of the colon for many years is more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
Diet: High animal fat diets, low fiber, calcium and folate diets increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Cigarette smoking can cause polyps and colorectal cancer.
Because colorectal cancer may recur, it is imperative that patients have regular checkups including their families. Doctors at Choice Cancer Care will help to suggest ways to reduce the risk and plan appropriate schedules for checkups.
Because cancer treatments damage healthy tissues and cells, it is common to have side effects. Before the patient starts receiving treatment, the healthcare team at Choice Cancer Care will explain the possible side effects and suggest ways that will help the patient to manage them. At every stage of the disease, supportive care from the healthcare team is available to relieve the side effects, to control the other symptoms and pain, and to ease the emotional concerns of patients.
Even when colorectal cancer seems to have been completely removed, follow-up care after treatment is essential. Sometimes cancer cells that were undetected may cause the disease to return. Your doctor will check for any recurrence of the cancer and monitor your recovery. Checkups will help to make sure that any health changes are noted and treated. Checkups include a physical exam, lab tests, colonoscopy, CT scans, X-rays and other tests.
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You’d give up almost anything for a chance to beat your cancer. And many treatments will test your resolve to do just that. Hair loss is one of the sacrifices most-often associated with chemo and radiation. Here’s what you can expect.
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