Treatments for Colon Cancer
Dr. Jerry Lang explains what you might expect during a biopsy.
There are several effective treatments for colon cancer available right now. And new, improved drugs and methods to deal with your illness are being developed every day. If you start the best combination of treatments for your stage of cancer - as soon as your doctor says you should - your chances for recovery are good.
- Treatments for colon cancer fall into a few categories
- We will talk about each category in this page
- You can learn more about the specifics by clicking on whichever treatment interests you, and then come back here to learn more about other treatments
On this page we attempt to describe the treatments for colon cancer. However, it is our heartfelt desire that you become a part of this website and contribute your personal experience with the various treatments so that other's may benefit. Your stories, tips, experiences and advice are all welcome and will be published here. You can remain anonymous if you choose. It's easy to contribute. You can submit your own story here or you can read stories submitted by others here.
Surgery
If you only have polyps inside your colon, your doctor may complete all of the surgery you need during your colonoscopy. If the cancer has spread to the lining of your colon, you will also have those parts removed in a "colon resection." In the past, this was a major operation. But today, surgeons use a procedure called laparoscopy that is simpler, faster and much less damaging. Ask your doctor about this technique. Colon cancer surgery, like all surgery, is a significant operation. But it has become more routine and you want the most experienced group of dedicated doctors on your team.
Drug treatments
Drug therapy is a good method when the cancer has spread beyond the colon. 5-FU is the simple name for a frequently used cancer drug. Your doctor might also use drugs called Xeloda® or Captosar®. Cancer drugs are injected into your blood and travel to every cell in your body to destroy the cancer cells.
Because each drug can harm your healthy cells, you sometimes get side effects. But there are treatments to reduce those side effects.
Radiation
Radiation treatment - with new machines that focus the energy directly to the cancer area - has improved greatly in the last 10 years. In addition, new procedures make radiation more effective with fewer side effects. This method works very well if the cancer has not spread beyond the colon.
Radiation is sometimes used at the same time as surgery and/or drug treatment. Because there can be side effects from radiation and drugs, it is important to learn how to manage these.
Experimental drug treatments for colon cancer
For the latest information on treatments for colon cancer and current news on other colon cancer topics, please accept a free weekly subscription to the CCR Newsletter.
There are many new experimental drug treatments available if your regular treatments for colon cancer are not helping you get better. Many of these might not be available through your regular doctor but she probably knows about experimental clinical trials. You can learn about those drugs and many others on the drug treatment page.
Alternative treatments that are not mainstream medicine
Some of these colon cancer treatment options are said to work for some people. But few statistics are available to back up these claims. Because many alternative treatments are given by clinics outside of the United States, the US FDA is unable to get reliable reports of positive results. We have searched for reviews of these treatments so you can learn something about them for yourself. Click here to learn more about them, such as Vitamin C therapy, the Livingston-Wheeler process and others to see if you think they might help you.
Nutrition and whole body support
Your chance of beating cancer is much better when you have stronger overall health. There is NO question about this.
There are 3 ways to become healthier. And today is the best day to get going
- Eat healthy
- Take vitamins and supplements
- Exercise
Sure, you've heard this a thousand times. But now it is life-or-death for you and every day counts. You don't have to run the 100-yard dash, but there are simple exercises you can do that really will pay-off. And please don't do the same exercises every day - that is a sure way to get bored and quit exercising.
- There are hundreds of vitamin and food supplement sources available on line and plenty more in your neighborhood food store and pharmacy
- We are writing a short article for you because it is important to know what supplements will help build up your immune system and generally give you strength - it is coming soon
- We will review nearly every vitamin and food supplement available
- We will offer only the good ones in our drug store, and you can buy other supplements anywhere you like - that is also coming soon
- You can ask us any question by clicking here
Emotional or psychological treatment
Nobody wants to have cancer. There is no getting around this. So it is important to develop ways to handle this illness positively - because your mind and your spirit can strengthen your body.
Many counselors and psychologists know how to help you maintain a positive state of mind. We are writing articles that show how to become more positive, how to find good help and what that will do for you.
There are more pages filled with colon cancer treatment information, so take your time reading these extra pages.
You can also write to us about any question that you don't see answered in this website and we will do our best to answer you.
- Treatments for Colon Cancer - This article provides an overview of the available treatments for colon cancer.
- Stage 2 Colon Cancer - Stage 2 colon cancer is very curable. Chemotherapy is not needed for all patients, surgery alone can be enough. Cure rates for stage 2 colon cancer with surgery alone is 65% to...
- Colon Cancer Stage 3 - For colon cancer stage 3 patient’s, chemotherapy is required. This stage of colon cancer can be fatal, however there are drugs that can add months, even years onto your life. There are many combinations of different types of drugs, a common combo (aka cocktail) is Eloxatin with Adrucil which is used for patients after...
- Colon Cancer Stage 4 - Colon cancer stage 4 is the utmost degree of colon cancer. Like stage 3 colon cancer this stage is likely to be fatal. Nevertheless there are drugs that can help slow the cancer down adding precious time to your life. Some of the drug combinations include...
- Colon Cancer Survivability - Colon cancer survivability rates and other colon cancer statistics are discussed.Many assume when they’re diagnosed with colon cancer that they are destined to die with colon cancer. Surprisingly colon cancer survivability statistics are...
- Colon Polyp Surgery - Painless colon polyp surgery, polyp removal, analysis of tissue and surgery risks are discussed.During a colonoscopy you may need to get colon polyp surgery. A colon polyp is a small mass of flesh attached to the inner wall of the colon by a stalk of tissue called a pedicle. The surgery itself is simple, and...
- Colon Resection Surgery - Information about colon resection surgery, including hemi-colectomy, resulting in a colostomy are discussed.If you are diagnosed with colon cancer it may be necessary to get colon resection surgery. This page advises you to get a second opinion if your doctor recommended this surgery to be sure you have the best surgical team. A list of...
- Colon Removal Surgery - Colon removal surgery is discussed in understandable terms. A list of things to consider is provided.If you are considering having colon removal surgery you should certainly get a second opinion since it will have a big effect on your life. After colon removal surgery you will have to...
- Recovery From Colon Surgery - Recovery from Colon Surgery is described and explains what you should expect after colon surgery. During the first few days after surgery you will be on an all liquid diet including vitamins and nutritional supplements. About a week after surgery you will not need to maintain the liquid diet but will...
- Side Effects of Chemotherapy - The side effects of chemotherapy for colon cancer are described, along with management methods.Many of the side effects occur when normal, healthy cells get damaged by treatments. Fortunately, doctors now have many ways to...
- Side Effects of Radiation Treatment - The side effects of radiation treatment for colon cancer are manageable and are described here.Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy has side effects. Some side effects of radiation are...
- Bad Nurse or Bad Doctor - To many patients it may appear as though that they have a bad nurse or bad doctor sometime during their treatment. Most of the time these feelings emerge when patients sense there doctor or nurse is not empathetic or sensitive enough to their new found disease. Remember that doctors and nurses...
- Colon Cancer Support - Colon cancer support comes in many forms - medicine, therapy, discussion, help from people.
- Colon Cancer Diagnosis - A colon cancer diagnosis means you should get a second opinion.Once a patient is diagnosed with colon cancer they fear that their doctor may be inaccurate, or they might just want a second opinion, but feel it will offend their regular doctor. When facing the possibility that you may have a serious disease...
- Colon Cancer Alternative Treatment - Colon cancer alternative treatment can be a useful or harmful therapy. During chemotherapy many patients want to know if they can try alternative therapies as well. The answer is no, colon cancer alternative treatment can actually cause chemo or radiation to be less effective. The reason for this is that the antioxidants in the supplements will act as...
- History of Surgery - The history of surgery for colon cancer shows incredible progress in saving lives over the last 300 years. It all started with the Scotch surgeon John Hunter and his discovery that surgery could possibly cure some cancers. This new discovery created...
- Alternative Pain Therapy - Complementary and alternative pain therapy provides options for some patients. There are many different types of alternative pain therapy. One type is acupuncture which is...
- Colon Cancer Survival Statistics - Colon cancer survival statistics show how important it is to get early effective treatment.Colon Cancer survival statistics in the U.S are surprisingly encouraging if the cancer is caught in the earlier stages. The statistics show that...
- Colon Cancer Diet - Colon cancer diet and nutrition guidelines provides information to help the patient feel healthier and recover faster.This page discusses how it is important to maintain a healthy diet because the majority of cancer treatments cause your immune system to...
- Bowel Obstruction - Bowel obstruction can have different causes but needs immediate medical attention. A bowel obstruction often occurs when your bowel is partially or completely blocked. For colon cancer sufferers, it’s usually an indicator that you have a tumor growing in the bowel, forcing the bowel to not...
- History of Chemotherapy - The history of chemotherapy started with scientists examining the effects of military weapons. Today it is a race to cure rather than a race to kill. Chemotherapy has saved many cancer patients although there are still some...
- Cancer Centers of America - Cancer Centers of America are 4 affiliated hospitals with a unique approach to colon cancer therapy. These Centers provide "mother standard" care, meaning they treat you with unconditional support and the warmth a mother would. The doctors offer to...
- Chemotherapy Drugs List - Chemotherapy drugs list with 8 drugs used for colon cancer. Chemotherapy can involve one or more of the 8 drugs in different combinations also known as "cocktails." All of the drugs have different side effects and ...
- Palliative Chemotherapy - Palliative chemotherapy is a therapy not used to cure, but to prolong life and improve cancer symptoms. This type of chemo is used for patients whose cancer is terminal. Palliative chemotherapy can provide patients with increased physical comfort and help give...
- Cause of Infertility - For some patients chemo and radiation can be the cause of infertility. Research is going on to create drugs to prevent ovulation during chemotherapy. There is also...
- Anti Cancer Diet - An anti cancer diet after colon cancer surgery can make a huge difference in recovery and overall health. Here are practical food ideas...
- Chemo for Colon Cancer - Late stage colon cancer must be treated with chemotherapy. Many of the side effects that we used to associate with chemotherapy are now controlled or eliminated. Some types of chemotherapy can be...
- Cancer Treatment Diet - A cancer treatment diet is important because cancer treatment can cause all sorts of nutritional deficiencies. Your diet needs change throughout the stages of your treatment which is why it is best to consult a certified nutritionist or your doctor to determine what may be right for your specific situation. Keeping yourself as healthy as you can...
- Bowel Surgery - When doctors say bowels, they are referring to the last three feet or so of the digestive tract. Large bowel surgery is done for several reasons. One may be that you might have a polyp on your colon. When there is a polyp...
- After Colon Surgery - In most cases, it is surgery that marks your first treatment for colon cancer. The next thing doctors need to do is stage the cancer. After colon surgery, doctors do tests of the cancer, the surrounding lymph nodes and...
- Sigmoid Colon Resection - When the sigmoid colon has a polyp which is cancerous, a sigmoid colon resection is required. Cancer of the colon can be anywhere in the large bowel. This includes...
- Diet for Cancer Patient - The truth is that a diet for cancer patient can be wide and varied. There are foods you can eat that keep your weight and nutrition up and there are foods you can eat that have the chance of fighting the cancer.
- Tinnitus Cures - Tinnitus cures are not possible. Remedies for tinnitus are possible. There are sound generators and prescription drugs that may help you.
- Natural Remedies for Tinnitus - Natural remedies for tinnitus include acoustic therapies known as tinnitus retraining therapy. Relief for tinnitus is possible. There is a natural homeopathic product that might help you also. You will read all about these topics on this web page.
- Drugs That Help Tinnitus - Drugs that help tinnitus are prescription antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents. These drugs are not FDA approved for use with tinnitus. They are off-label uses. Totally curing tinnitus is not possible. There are, however, remedies for tinnitus.
- Vitamins for Tinnitus - The vitamins for tinnitus include niacin (vitamin B-3), Vitamin A, zinc and magnesium. Zinc and magnesium are technically minerals that our body needs. Some researchers recommend Vitamin B12 for tinnitus.
Share Your Story About Treatments For Colon Cancer And Help Others!
We've discussed the major forms of treatments for colon cancer in this website but we know that YOU have a story to tell about YOUR unique experience with colon cancer treatment. If you've been treated with colon cancer (or currently undergoing treatment), we would like you to consider sharing YOUR story and personal experience. YOUR story could very well help someone else that is suffering with colon cancer!
Read What Other Visitors Have Said About Their Colon Cancer Treatment
Click below to see personal stories for colon cancer treatment from other visitors to this page...
1 done, 11 to go
Have just completed the first two-week cycle of chemo for Stage 2 Colon Cancer. Only very mild nausea, strong reactions to anything cold all of the first ...
Living With Stage IV Colon Cancer
I am a proud Veteran of the USAF. During the Vietnam era, I served stateside. I have been using the Amarillo VA Hospital since 1994, when I relocated ...
charlottezheng
I want to know about the oral drug for chemotherapy for carcinoma of sigmoid colon stage 3,
"Another Awakening" by a Colon Cancer Patient, Now Poet.
When I was diagnosed with my first cancer (Breast) about x7 years ago, I was like most. The first thing came to mind was "a death sentence". I found out ...
MIRACLES DO HAPPEN...NEVER EVER LOSE HOPE!
My husband was diagnosed on Nov 6, 2006 with stage 2c colon cancer. he was 30 years old. my husband had lost over 80 lbs since Jan 2006. he was having ...
stage 2 colon cancer diagnosed and treated in Pakistan
I am 47 yrs hameedullah from pakistan karachi.dignosed stage2 T3N1MX ca
colon cancer pain started 4 or 5 year before in abdomn, went to dr for treatment ...
Can you help? I am scared I need a colonoscopy and I can't afford it
My name is Kate. I am 60 years old and my mother died of colon cancer at age 58. I have never been able to afford a colonoscopy, and am wondering if you ...
Help finding a great colon cancer doctor
My good friend has colon cancer and also lesions on her liver. I am wanting to help her find the best cancer Doctor that has experience with dealing with ...
Precancerous Polyps
I have precancerous polyps that can not be removed by a colonoscopy. What is the next best step?
Thanks for your advice.
Colonoscopy A Must......
Hi
My name is Sheryn Deall and I was diagnosed with colon cancer when I was 40 years of age. It all started with me getting appendicitis which was removed....
Other Treatments for Colon Cancer
I had an operation in 2006 and no chem since it looked like I didn't need it. Was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in April and given six months ...
Post colonoscopy pain
Is it common to have pain after removal of colon polyps. and if so, how long does it last? I had polyps removed 3 days ago and still have pain in the area ...
Costs for Surgery and Treatment.
How much will the chemotherapy and the colon resection cost me?
Colon cancer operated from stage 3 to stage 2, but CEA still increasing
Hi ,
Kindly please give me your comments.
This is a question from my uncle who is married to my sister. He had colon cancer stage 3. Now it was ...
This disease is tough, but you can beat it
I'm a 8 year survivor of stage 3 colon cancer and going strong. No matter what diagnosis the doctors give you, don't give in, don't give up.
It's been ...
Colon Cancer Stage 4
Not rated yet
Hello, My name is Lionel, I found out that I had colon cancer in Dec. of 2010. The Dr. told me that it was in stage 4. My first thought was ( my god I'...
Stage Four Colon Cancer
Not rated yet
Hi
my brother has colon cancer in stage four and he lost all hope,and we want him to join clinical trial,
Please if you can help us please,
thank you...
After Colon Surgery
Not rated yet
I have just had colon cancer surgery would like to know what vitamins you recommend. I have been taking vitamins for years.
------------------
Chemo started - Stage 1 2008 and surprise Stage IV 2011 - found by accident/no symptoms
Not rated yet
Shock! Went to phys. for cracking when breathing lying down and a CXR led to finding lung nodules - CT followed - confirming lung nodules and biopsy confirming ...
Mom scared for her son's colon cancer
Not rated yet
Message: My son who is 44 was diagosed with colon cancer a few days before his 44th birthday in late May or June or 2011. They removed an 8 inch section ...
DCA and Vidaza and Colon Cancer
Not rated yet
I may have told my story here before but it has changed so here goes.
DXed colon cancer 10/1/2006
Stage 2A no chemo for first two years thought I ...
Complications from bowel resection of stage 2 colon cancer
Not rated yet
My mother was diagnosed w/stage 2 colon cancer she under went surgery to remove all of her ascending colon and a resection was done (small intestines to ...
Can't afford colonoscopy
Not rated yet
My name is regina and I live in Pittsburgh Pa. And at the present time there is no free testing here for colonoscopy. I am 53 years young and would like ...
what precautions to take after chemo for colon cancer
Not rated yet
I have been diagnosed with stage - 4 colon cancer and have had my first chemo treatment already. My question is what precautions should I be taking, as ...
what exercises are OK after colon cancer?
Not rated yet
My friend is recovering from a bowel cancer operation, which she had in August. She is keen to get back into exercising,what exercises can she attempt ...
How i cured my colon cancer
Not rated yet
In 1993 I found myself under the knife of a doctor removing one third of my colon, and 3 days later my doctor informed me I needed to start chemo and a ...
Colon Cancer and Removal of Polyps
Not rated yet
I'm 33 and whilst having dinner I had a sudden sharp pain on left side of upper side of my abdomen and then diarrhea. Except I had a lot of blood in the ...
what is metastatic colorectal cancer ?
Not rated yet
What is metastatic colorectal cancer ? Can it be treated ?
Is it true that if a person has "lump" in liver it doesn't mean it's cancer ?
What are ...
Turned My Dad Into A Druggie- Watch Out For This With Your Loved Ones
Not rated yet
Having colon polyps turned my Dad into a pill stealer and taker. Yeah - hard to believe, but maybe telling it will help someone else. My Dad got help ...
