Radical Medical Systems Pvt Ltd

05/09/2020

Do not wait for a problem to occur, do not wait for October. With regular screening and understanding of risks, one is more likely to detect, treat and cure breast cancer.

10/04/2020

Stay safe from SARS Cov2 (Covid-19)

26/03/2020

Stay safe. Stay home...

02/10/2019

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

DEFINITION

Cancer is a disease of the cells which are the building blocks of body organs and tissues. Normally cells divide, grow and multiply in an orderly and controlled way as the body needs them to keep the body healthy.When cells become old or damaged, they die and are replaced with new cells. However, sometimes this orderly process goes wrong. When this happens, cells do not die when they should and new cells form when the body does not need them. When these cells continue multiplying, they result is a mass of tissue or growth, also called a tumor. Breast cancer is cancerous tumour which occurs in the breast(s). It is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.

RISK FACTORS OF BREAST CANCER

We do not know what causes breast cancer, although we do know that certain risk factors may put you at higher risk of developing it. Studies have shown that some people are more likely to develop cancer than others. These are called at risk groups. The behavior, environmental factors or other things that predisposes at risk groups to cancer are called risk factors. Your risk increases if you:

- Are over forty (40) years of age
- Have a family history of breast cancer
- Smoke and drink alcohol, more than two drinks per day
- Eat a diet high in animal fat and low in fibre
- Have no children or had your first child after you turned 30 years
- Started your menstrual periods early before 12years of age and experience menopause later than usual (after 55 years) you are more at risk
- Excessively use of hormone replacement (always consult
your doctor on the use of hormones)
- Exposed to radiation especially during adolescence
- Have had cancer previously in one breast
- Constantly endure high stress levels

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

It is important to be wary of the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle. A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea should also be a cause for concern, especially if it is detected during regular breast self examination. Women must look out for changes in the size, shape, or contour of the breast, blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the ni**le, change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or ni**le (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed), redness of the skin on the breast or ni**le, a change in shape or position of the ni**le. Other signs include the development of a marble-like hardened area under the skin, an area that is distinctly different from any other area on breast, tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning in pain in the breast or ni**les, unexplained weight loss as well as persistent fever or chills. Some of the signs and symptoms may however be due to other conditions. It is thus important to consult your doctor or health practitioner should the signs or symptoms present.

SCREENING

Breast cancer screening refers to testing otherwise-healthy women for breast cancer in an attempt to achieve an earlier diagnosis. The assumption is that early detection will improve outcomes. A number of screening test have been employed including: clinical and self breast exams, mammography, genetic screening, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In Zimbabwe Breast Self Examination (BSE) is encouraged since most of the lumps are discovered by the woman themselves. Breast screening may find cancers early. In older women it saves lives since if a cancer is found, it is likely to be smaller. It may, therefore, be possible to remove the lump (by a lumpectomy) instead of removing the whole breast (a mastectomy).

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling. It makes one become familiar with the usual appearance and feel of one’s breasts. Getting to know one’s breasts makes it easier to become aware of any changes. Breast self-exam is done about three to five days after one’s period when breasts are less likely to be tender and swollen. Women at menopause should choose a particular day of the month when to do breast self-examination. Early detection of abnormalities gives the doctor a better chance to offer effective treatment.
What to look for during a breast examination:

*On the breast itself:

- Dimpling or puckering of the skin surface
- Enlarged veins
- Lump or thickening which may be painless
- Unusual rash on the ni**le or breast
- Persistent pain in the breast though this is not usual

*On the ni**le:

- Discharge or blood through the ni**le
- Rash on the ni**le or around the ni**le
- Lump or thickening which may be painless
- An inverted ni**le (turned in ni**le)
- Change in the position of the ni**le
- Lump or thickening beneath the ni**le

*On the arm:

- Swelling of the upper arm
- Swelling or lump in the armpit

You should examine your breasts monthly from the age of eighteen years onwards. The best way to do this is while standing up looking into the mirror, standing up in the shower or lying down on the bed.

*One way of breast self-examination:

- Stand before the mirror, inspect both breasts for any unusual discharge, dimpling, scaling or puckering of the skin.
- Watching in the mirror, clasp hands behind head and press head against hands. This helps to identify any changes in the shape or size as the muscles contract.
- Press hands on the hips and bend towards the front or mirror while pulling shoulders and elbows forward. The pulling of muscles helps to identify any abnormalities on the breasts.
- While in the shower, with soapy hands, lift arm and with four fingers of your right hand, gradually work from the outer edge of the breast in small circles towards the ni**le. The circular movements will help identify any lumps or abnormalities.

Following the same process use your left hand to examine the right breast.

PREVENTING BREAST CANCER

About a third of the most common cancers, including breast cancer can be prevented by eating a varied and healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity. It is encouraged to eat a diet containing whole foods that a naturally grown and high in fibre. It is also important to avoid refined foods and highly processed foods as they are high in fats, sugars and salts. Instead concentrate on whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish. Also avoid being overweight or obese by exercising regularly at least five (5) times a week for more than 30 minutes.

Alcohol intake must be reduced, whilst to***co smoking, sniffing or chewing are to be avoided at all cost. Also avoid chemical exposure such as pesticides. Managing stress effectively is another important aspect in the prevention of breast cancer as well as other cancers. Getting involved in relaxation classes and stress management techniques is one way of achieving this. Breast feeding is a protective factor- this is a common practice in Zimbabwe and must be encouraged.

Positive lifestyle choices reduce cancer risk. So many patients have said that they wish they had acted on cancer prevention advice earlier in their lives. It is therefore recommended that you learn about the very simple ways you can reduce your own cancer risk, take action and also spread this advice to those you love. There also remains hope for those who are diagnosed with cancer. Effective treatment improves quality of life of cancer patients and can cure cancers that are diagnosed early.

GET SCREENED TODAY.

Some text has been adopted from Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ)

10/08/2019

10/08/2019

PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTORS

A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like a person’s age or family history, cannot be changed. But having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease. Many people with one or more risk factors never get cancer, while others who get cancer may have had few or no known risk factors. Below is a list of risk factors that MIGHT affect a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer.

Age
Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are found in men older than 65.

Race/ethnicity
Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. African-American men are also more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer than white men. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic whites. The reasons for these racial and ethnic differences are not clear.

Geography
Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. The reasons for this are not clear. More intensive screening in some developed countries probably accounts for at least part of this difference, but other factors such as lifestyle differences (diet, etc.) are likely to be important as well. For example, Asian Americans have a lower risk of prostate cancer than white Americans, but their risk is higher than that of men of similar backgrounds living in Asia.

Family history
Prostate cancer seems to run in some families, which suggests that in some cases there may be an inherited or genetic factor. (Still, most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history of it.) Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease. (The risk is higher for men who have a brother with the disease than for those who have a father with it.) The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was found.

Gene changes
Several inherited gene changes (mutations) seem to raise prostate cancer risk, but they probably account for only a small percentage of cases overall.Men with Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colore**al cancer), a condition caused by inherited gene changes, have an increased risk for a number of cancers, including prostate cancer. Other inherited gene changes can also raise a man’s risk of prostate cancer.

Factors with less clear effect on prostate cancer risk

Diet
The exact role of diet in prostate cancer is not clear, but several factors have been studied. Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher chance of getting prostate cancer. These men also tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. Researchers are not sure which of these factors is responsible for raising the risk. Some studies have suggested that men who consume a lot of calcium (through food or supplements) may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Dairy foods (which are often high in calcium) might also increase risk. But most studies have not found such a link with the levels of calcium found in the average diet, and it’s important to note that calcium has other important health benefits.

Overweight
Being very overweight does not seem to increase the overall risk of getting prostate cancer. Some studies have found that overweight men have a lower risk of getting a low-grade (less dangerous) form of the disease, but a higher risk of getting more aggressive prostate cancer. The reasons for this are not clear. Some studies have also found that overweight men may be at greater risk for having more advanced prostate cancer and of dying from prostate cancer, but not all studies have found this.

Sexually Transmitted Infections & Vasectomy
Research on the link between STI's, vasectomy and prostate cancers is still on going.

10/08/2019

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the o***y begin to multiply out of control and form a tumor. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer.

The ovaries are two female reproductive glands that produce ova, or eggs. They also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer often has warning signs, but the earliest symptoms are vague and easy to dismiss.

Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

It’s easy to overlook the early symptoms of ovarian cancer because they’re similar to other common illnesses or they tend to come and go. The early symptoms include:

*abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain
*abnormal fullness after eating
*difficulty eating
*an increase in urination
*an increased urge to urinate
Ovarian cancer can also cause other symptoms, such as:

fatigue, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, back pain,
menstrual irregularities, painful in*******se
dermatomyositis (a rare inflammatory disease that can cause skin rash, muscle weakness, and inflamed muscles)
These symptoms may occur for any number of reasons. They aren’t necessarily due to ovarian cancer. Many women have some of these problems at one time or another. These types of symptoms are often temporary and respond to simple treatments in most cases.

Again, cancers are best treated when detected early so it is best to consult with a doctor if you experience new and unusual symptoms.

The above symptoms will persist if they’re due to ovarian cancer. Symptoms usually become more severe as the tumor grows. By this time, the cancer has usually spread outside of the ovaries, making it much harder to treat effectively.

Types of \Ovarian Cancer
The ovaries are made up of three types of cells. Each cell can develop into a different type of tumor:

-Epithelial tumors form in the layer of tissue on the outside of
the ovaries. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are
epithelial tumors.
-Stromal tumors grow in the hormone-producing cells. Seven percent of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
-Germ cell tumors develop in the egg-producing cells. Germ cell tumors are rare.

Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts aren’t cancerous. These are called benign cysts. However, a very small number can be cancerous. An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid or air that develops in or around the o***y. Most ovarian cysts form as a normal part of ovulation, which is when the o***y releases an egg. They usually only cause mild symptoms, like bloating, and go away without treatment. Cysts are more of a concern if you aren’t ovulating. Women stop ovulating after menopause. If an ovarian cyst forms after menopause, tests might be ordered to find out the cause of the cyst, especially if it’s large or doesn’t go away within a few months. If the cyst doesn’t go away, surgery may be recommend to remove it just in case. Its only after the surgery that a determination can be made on whether its cancerous or not.

Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. These factors can increase your risk:

*A family history of ovarian cancer
*Genetic mutations of genes associated with ovarian cancer,
*A personal history of breast, uterine, or colon cancer
*Obesity
*The use of certain fertility drugs or hormone therapies
*No history of pregnancy
*Endometriosis
*Older age is another risk factor. Most cases of ovarian cancer
develop after menopause.

It’s possible to have ovarian cancer without having any of these risk factors. Likewise, having any of these risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get ovarian cancer.

10/08/2019

OVARIAN CANCER [Continued]

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

It’s much easier to treat ovarian cancer when it is diagnosed in the early stages. However, it’s not easy to detect. Ovaries are situated deep within the abdominal cavity, so you’re unlikely to feel a tumor. Currently, there’s no routine diagnostic screening available for ovarian cancer. That’s why it’s so important for you to report unusual or persistent symptoms to your doctor.

If your doctor is concerned that you have ovarian cancer, they’ll likely recommend a pelvic exam. Performing a pelvic exam can help your doctor discover irregularities, but small ovarian tumors are very difficult to feel. As the tumor grows, it presses against the bladder and re**um. Your doctor may be able to detect irregularities during a recto-vaginal pelvic examination.

The Following Tests May be Ordered:

*Transvaginall Ultrasound (TVUS). This is a type of imaging test that uses sound waves to detect tumors in the reproductive organs, including the ovaries. However, TVUS does not determine whether tumors are cancerous.

*Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan. If you’re allergic to dye, they may order a pelvic MRI scan.

*Biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the o***y and analysing the sample under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way there can be a conclusive diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer
The spread of the cancer can be staged into 4 stages with each stage having a sub-staging.

STAGE One
Stage 1A: The cancer is limited, or localized, to one o***y.
Stage 1B: The cancer is in both ovaries.
Stage 1C: There are also cancer cells on the outside of the o***y.

STAGE Two
In stage 2, the tumor has spread to other pelvic structures.
Stage 2A: The cancer has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes.
Stage 2B: The cancer spread to the bladder or re**um.

STAGE 3
Stage 3A: The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Stage 3B: The cancer cells are outside of the spleen or liver.
Stage 3C: Deposits of cancer are seen on the abdomen or outside the spleen or liver. However, the cancer isn’t inside the spleen or liver.

STAGE 4
In stage 4, the tumor has spread, beyond the pelvis, abdomen, and lymph nodes to the liver or lungs.

Stage 4A, the cancerous cells are in the fluid around the lungs.
Stage 4B, the most advanced stage, the cells have reached the inside of the spleen or liver or even other distant organs like the skin or brain.

How Ovarian Cancer is Treated
The treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread. A treatment plan depending on a patient's situation is determined and will most likely include two or more of the following:

Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery to stage the cancer and remove the tumor, or surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor, but a hysterectomy, or complete removal of the uterus can in some cases become necessary. Targeted therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments, attack the cancer cells while doing little damage to normal cells in the body. Treatment success depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, a patient's overall health, and how well a person responds to treatment. Every cancer is unique, but the stage of the cancer is the most important indicator of outlook.

Can Ovarian Cancer be Prevented?
There are no proven ways to totally eliminate a person's
risk of developing ovarian cancer.

10/08/2019

LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. Lung cancer is a condition that causes cells to divide in the lungs uncontrollably. This causes the growth of tumors that reduce a person's ability to breathe. Typically, the body programs cells to die at a certain stage in their life cycle to avoid overgrowth. Cancer overrides this instruction, causing cells to grow and multiply when they should not. The overgrowth of cells leads to the development of tumors and the harmful effects of cancer.

Symptoms
Lung cancer typically doesn't cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur only when the disease is advanced. It is important to note that some lung cancer symptoms may be similar to those of a respiratory infection.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:

**A new cough that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest and bone pain, voice hoarseness, weight loss, wheezing, frequent chest infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Make an appointment with a doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be lifesaving. This is because lung cancer cells can travel to other areas of the body before a doctor detects them in the lungs. If this spread or metastasis has taken place, it makes treating the disease much more difficult.

There are 2 general types of lung cancer.

1. Small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer.
2. Non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term for several types of lung cancers that behave in a similar way. Non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.

Causes

Smoking causes the majority of lung cancers, both in smokers and in people exposed to second-hand smoke. But lung cancer also occurs in people who never smoked and in those who never had prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke. In these cases, there may be no clear cause of lung cancer. People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of ci******es a person has smoked. If a person quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, they can significantly reduce their chances of developing lung cancer.

How smoking causes lung cancer

Research shows that smoking causes lung cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. When you inhale cigarette smoke, which is full of cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), changes in the lung tissue begin almost immediately. At first, a person's body may be able to repair this damage. But with each repeated exposure, normal cells that line your lungs are increasingly damaged. Over time, the damage causes cells to act abnormally and eventually cancer may develop.

Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce your risk if you:

Don't smoke. If you've never smoked, don't start. Talk to your children about not smoking so that they can understand how to avoid this major risk factor for lung cancer. Begin conversations about the dangers of smoking with your children early so that they know how to react to peer pressure.

Stop smoking. Stop smoking now. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you've smoked for years. Talk to your doctor about strategies and stop-smoking aids that can help you quit. Options include ni****ne replacement products, medications and support groups.

Avoid secondhand smoke. If you live or work with a smoker, urge him or her to quit. At the very least, ask him or her to smoke outside. Avoid areas where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and seek out smoke-free options.

Avoid carcinogens at work. Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Follow your employer's precautions. For instance, if you're given a face mask for protection, always wear it. Your risk of lung damage from workplace carcinogens increases if you smoke.

Staging of Lung Cancer
The staging of cancer indicates how far it has spread through the body and its severity. This classification helps oncologists (cancer treatment specialists) work on a treatment plan to best address the cancer at that particular stage. Staging for lung cancer is extremely complex and extensive with several sub-groups within each stage. Each stage determines whether cancer has or has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. It may also take into account the number and size of the tumors. The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which connects to the rest of the body. If cancer reaches these, it can metastasize, or spread further, becoming more dangerous. Please note that staging definitions may vary.

Hidden or Occult: Cancer does not show on imaging scans, but cancerous cells might appear in the phlegm or mucus and may have reached other parts of the body.
Stage 0: There are abnormal cells only in the top layers of cells lining the airways.
Stage 1: A tumor has developed in the lung, but is under 5 centimeters and has not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 2: The tumor is smaller than 5 centimeters and might have spread to the lymph nodes in the area of the lung, or smaller than 7 centimeters and spread to nearby tissues but not lymph nodes.
Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and reached other parts of the lung and surrounding area.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant body parts, such as the bones or brain.

08/08/2019

COLON CANCER

Overview

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon, or large intestine, is a muscular, tube-shaped organ and extends from the end of the small bowel to the re**um. Colon cancer is sometimes called colore**al cancer, which is a term that combines colon cancer and re**al cancer, which begins in the re**um. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms.

Cancer is the transformation of normal cells that then grow and multiply abnormally. Left untreated, these cancers grow and eventually spread through the colon wall to involve the adjacent lymph nodes and organs. Ultimately, the cancer cells spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, and bones. Cancers are dangerous because of their uncontrolled growth and potential for spread. They overwhelm healthy cells, tissues, and organs by taking their oxygen, nutrients, and space.

Functions of the colon:
To digest and absorb nutrients from food
To concentrate f***l material by absorbing fluid (and dissolved salts, also called electrolytes) from it
To store and control evacuation of f***l material

Risk Factors and Causes
Factors that may increase the risk of colon cancer include:

*Old Age. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50. The rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing, but doctors aren't sure why.

*A personal history of colore**al cancer or polyps. If you've already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.

*Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.

*Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Some gene mutations passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer significantly. However, only a small percentage of colon cancers are linked to inherited genes. The most common inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, which is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colore**al cancer (HNPCC).

*Family history of colon cancer. You're more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a blood relative who has had the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer or re**al cancer, your risk is even greater. The cancer risk increases two to three times for people with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with colon cancer. The risk increases more if you have more than one affected family member, especially if the cancer was diagnosed at a young age.

*Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and re**al cancer may be associated with a typical Western diet, which is low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meat.

*An inactive lifestyle. People who are inactive are more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.

*Diabetes. People with diabetes or insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.

*Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of getting colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.

*Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.

*Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer.

Symptoms
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine. Below is a list of symptoms related to colon cancer:
• Blood in a person’s stool or re**al bleeding
• Constant changes in a person’s bowel habits, including change in stool consistency, constipation and diarrhoea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

Diagnosis and Treatment
After a patient has been physically examined and medical history obtained, 3 stages follow to confirm the existence of cancer:
1. Blood tests.
2. Diagnostic Colonoscopy: Examination of the entire colon with a long, thin flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end (colonoscope).
3. Biopsy: Removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
Treatment that includes radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy is available to help control colon cancer.

Post-treatment Prognosis

Patient outcome is strongly associated with colon cancer stage at the time of diagnosis. Cancer confined to the lining of the colon is associated with the highest likelihood of success. Follow-up care after treatment for colon cancer is important. Even when the cancer appears to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease may recur. Undetected cancer cells can remain in the body after treatment. An oncologist/surgeon monitors patient recovery and check for cancer recurrence at specific intervals.