Overview Symptoms Tests Treatment Sources

Treatment
All stages of colon cancer are usually treated by surgically removing the cancer and possibly some of the surrounding tissue. For Stages II and III, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be added to help kill the cancer and shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used in Stage IV to improve symptoms and to prolong life. Biological therapy or immunotherapy, therapy that stimulates the patient’s immune system to recognize the cancer cells and fight them, may also be used in some cases.

On This Site

Tests: Fecal occult blood test, Tumor markers
Screening: Adults (30-49), Adults (50 and up)
In the News: New Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Issued (2008), For Anemic Individuals, Colonoscopy Decision May be Guided by Ferritin Level (2007), Mixed Results for DNA Test to Detect Colon Cancer (2005), Study Finds Association Between CRP and Colon Cancer (2004), Universal Screening for Colon Cancer Strongly Urged (2002), On the Horizon: New Colon Cancer Test in Development (2002)

Elsewhere On The Web

Personal Colon Cancer Test Scheduling Reminder
The American Gastroenterological Association: Facts about Colorectal Cancer
The American Gastroenterological Association: Patient Center, Colorectal Cancer Screening
National Cancer Institute: Colon and Rectal Cancer
American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer: Early Detection
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Virtual Colonoscopy