Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon: Survival Rate, Recurrence, Prevention, Coping

How to Prevent Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon in People at a Higher Risk?

Colon cancer or precancerous polyp’s risks can be reduced through surgery or medication. The guarantee of this medicine has not been ascertained for people having average risk of colon cancer or cancer of the colon. Discuss the risks and benefits of preventive treatment with your doctor, if your risks of colon cancer are high:

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

  • Aspirin. Regular use of aspirin has been linked to reduced risks of colon cancer and polyps according to evidence. Research on low dose aspirin has not confirmed this to be true. The reduction of colon cancer or cancer of the colon chances can be attributed to long-term use of high doses of aspirin. Ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding are some o the side effects that are likely to accrue with using aspirin in this manner.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib). Pain relief is provided by Celebrex and drugs called COX-2. In individual who have been diagnosed before with polyps, COX- 2 reduces precancerous polyps, according to some statistics.
  • Surgical procedure for cancer prevention. In case you risk colon cancer due to inherited disorders laid inflammatory bowel sickness or familial polyposis, your doctor can recommend that your colon be removed in its entirety so as to prevent the occurrence of cancer.

Survival Rates for Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon By Stage

The prognosis of an individual suffering from colon cancer or cancer of the colon is discerned by the doctor in a standard way through survival rates use. The table below is in accordance to the SEER from the National Cancer institute’s database, studying people with cancer of the colon from 2004 to 2010.

Stage of Cancer 5 Year Relative Survival Rate
Colon Cancer I 92 percent
Colon Cancer IIA 87 percent
Colon Cancer IIB 63 percent
Colon Cancer IIIA 89 percent
Colon Cancer IIIB 69 percent
Colon Cancer IIC 53 percent
Colon Cancer IV 11 percent

What are the Possibilities for Recurrence of Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon?

Abnormality of cell growth in the rectum or the colon causes colon cancer or cancer of the colon. Polyps are formed when these cells grow together. Polyps turn into cancer over time. The other name for this cancer is rectal cancer or colon cancer depending on the location of the cancer. Cancer which has extended to other body parts is known as metastatic. This is the place where rectal or colon cancer usually spreads to. Other organs of the body like bones, land lungs can also be affected.

Recurrence or rectal or colon cancer is after years or months after treatment. This is known as recurrent cancer. Removing the original cancer before spreading lowers the chances of recurrence. The cause is not known by doctors. The probability of recurrence of the cancer is high if when it is being discovered, originally, is in an advanced stage.

Tests cannot discover cancer cells due to its small size, in some instances. Continued growth of these cells might result later as a cancer that is metastatic cancer, even following years after treatment. Common symptoms are mostly:

  • Change in the bowel habit, example frequent stool, thin stools, a feeling that the emptying of the bowel is not complete.
  • Very dark stool or blood in it.
  • Appetite gets lost
  • Pain in the belly, particularly gas pain, feeling of fullness or cramps.
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Fatigue (constant tiredness)

Some individuals do not experience symptoms at all.

If the cancer has gone to other body parts, other symptoms may be exhibited, depending on the location. Biopsy is done for the confirmation of the diagnosis. Tissue samples from the area not appearing normal are taken by your doctor, when conducting this test. These tissues are inspected for caner content.

If you have had prior treatment of colon cancer or cancer of the colon, regular checkup helps in detecting new cancer soon.

Colon cancer or cancer of the colon which has spread or returned can be cured at some instances. Target therapy, chemotherapy, radiation or surgery is the mode of treatment. You will live longer and feel better through treatment if the cancer cannot be cured.

How to Cope with Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon?

Being diagnosed with colon cancer or cancer of the colon can be challenging emotionally. An individual learns how to cope, in time. Try the following coping techniques as you are trying to know what will work for you:

  • Know your expectation. Feel comfortable when deciding the viable treatment, through learning more about your cancer. Your doctor should tell you the stage and type of the cancer, also the treatment options and probable side effects. Seek information from reliable websites and local libraries.
  • Keep family and friends close. You will be able to deal with the colon cancer or cancer of the colon through the keeping your relationship close. The support you practically require can be provided by your friends and families for example keeping your house in case of hospitalization. And in case you are feeling overwhelmed by the cancer, you can get emotional support from them.
  • Talk with someone. Find a listener who is good and willing to listen to you when talking about you fears and hopes. This can be a family member or a friend. The understanding and concern of a colon cancer or cancer of the colon support group, clergy member, medical social worker or a counselor may also be helpful.
  • Seek to know existing support groups in your area from your doctor or seek from your library, phonebook, organization of cancer, like the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute.

What Lifestyle Changes are Suggested for Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon?

Considering colon cancer or cancer of the colon screening at 50 years old is important for people with average risk. Early screening should be considered by people with increased risk owing to family history of cancer of the colon. Indian Americans and African Americans may begin their colon cancer screening when they are 45 years old.

Other screening options are available, each having advantages and disadvantages. Decide the best screening method with your doctor to ascertain the appropriate test for you.

Reduce the risk of colon cancer or cancer of the colon by making life changes. Making every day changes in life helps in the reduction of colon cancer or cancer of the colon risk. Take steps to:

  • Have various fruits, whole grains and vegetables. Vegetables, whole grains and fruits have antioxidants, minerals, fiber and vitamin content, which plays a role in preventing colon cancer. Get different nutrients and vitamins by choosing various vegetables and fruits.
  • Consume alcohol moderately, if at all. The limit of alcohol for men should be two daily for men and one for women.
  • Quit smoking. Seek the doctor’s advice on ways that might work for you to prevent colon cancer.
  • Exercise every week. Allocate 30 minutes for exercising in most days. Start slowly and adjust in case you have been inactive. Consult your doctor prior to beginning your exercise if you have any major illnesses.
  • Keep a healthy body weight. Exercise daily for body weight maintenance and have a diet that is healthily combine. Seek advice from your doctor regarding the ways in which to attain your goal. Reduce the calories intake while increasing the amount of exercise one gets.

Yoga for Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon

This yoga is started on complete recovery from colon cancer or cancer of the colon. All these below mentioned poses need not to be performed, try all of them, and select few from them to perform on a daily basis. Relax for 30 minutes prior to starting yoga poses. The main objective of the yoga asanas is to reduce the chances of recurrence of colon cancer or cancer of the colon by strengthening your abdomen.

Consult your doctor on whether to strengthen your abdomen through yoga classes, if you have had a surgery.

10 Yoga Poses for Strengthening the Colon or the Large Intestine

  • Yoga locust pose
  • Halasana (bow pose)
  • Bridge pose (setu Bandha Saravangasana)
  • Supine twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
  • Trikonasana (triangle pose)
  • Happy baby pose (Ananda Balasana)
  • Supported bridge pose (salamba setu bandghasana)
  • Reclining abdominal twist (Jathara paravritti)
  • Half-seated spinal twist (Ardha matsyendrasana)
  • Parighasana (gate pose.)

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:August 2, 2021

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