Get Informed: Colorectal Cancer Stages and Treatment

Understanding the stages of colorectal cancer and available treatment options can provide patients and their loved ones with important facts to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Colon cancer affects the large intestine and is classified into five stages, which range from early to advanced. Early detection is crucial for increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a disease that develops in the colon or rectum due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. These cancer cells can develop over time, and without proper screening and treatment, can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other areas of the body.

Prevention and Screening

While some risk factors for developing colon cancer cannot be changed, such as age and family history, there are lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk and prevent colon cancer. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Regular exercise

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Quitting smoking

Colorectal cancer screening is also an important tool in detecting the disease early. Screening tests include:

• Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

• Colonoscopy

• Sigmoidoscopy

If you experience any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain, it's important to see a doctor. Diagnosing colon cancer early can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.

Stages of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is categorised into different stages based on how far the cancer has spread. It is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making it difficult to diagnose colon cancer. 

The stage of cancer determines the appropriate plan to treat colon cancer. The stages of colorectal cancer include:

• Stage 0: Cancer cells are present only in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and have not spread.

• Stage I: Cancer has grown into the inner layers of the colon or rectum, but has not spread beyond the wall.

• Stage II: Cancer has grown into or through the wall of the colon or rectum, but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.

• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

The treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. The available treatments include:

• Surgery

Colon cancer surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage colon cancer. During surgery, the cancerous part of the colon or tumour is removed along with nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, a temporary or permanent colostomy may be necessary.

• Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It's usually used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to treat stage II or stage III colon cancer.

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It's typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or in combination with radiation therapy to treat stage II or stage III colon cancer.

• Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins or genes in cancer cells. It's usually used in combination with chemotherapy to treat advanced colon cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Your healthcare professional will work with you to develop the best colon cancer treatment plan to maximise your chances of recovery.

In Summary

Colorectal cancer is a serious disease, but with early detection and treatment, the chances of survival can be high. Understanding the stages of colon cancer and the available treatment options can help patients and their loved ones make informed decisions about their healthcare. Not only that, you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle and get screened on a regular basis to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

Worried about your colon? Consult our doctor today!