Is Colon Cancer Treatable

Colorectal cancer, better known as colon cancer, is a deadly disease. It ranks as the number three most deadly cancer in the US, and accounts for about 10% of cancer related deaths. People diagnosed with it often ask the question, “Is colon cancer treatable?” The one thing you need to understand is that, although this type of cancer is widespread, it can be treated. This article will provide helpful information on the treatment options available for the 5 colon cancer stages.

Stage 0 Colon Cancer

Medically referred to as carcinoma in situ, this is the stage wherein the cancer cells are still in the epithelial tissues, at the inner linings of the colon. Is colon cancer treatable at this stage? The answer is yes. Performing surgery to remove all cancer cells is the most effective way to cure Stage 0 colon cancer. A procedure called Anastomosis can remove it, and replace the removed part with healthy tissues.

Stage 1 Colon Cancer

Stage 1, or Dukes A, is when the malignant tumors have extended to the mid-layers of the colon, specifically the 2nd and 3rd layers, but are still inside the colonic walls. Treatment is quite similar to stage 0, by means of surgery. There is a 93% survival rate for stage 1 colon cancer, as stated by the American Cancer Society. A surgery procedure called resection may be required. This entails the removal of part of an organ.

Stage 2 Colon Cancer

Is colon cancer treatable during stage 2? Otherwise termed Dukes B colon cancer, this is the stage when tumors have progressed to the muscular layers, and even extended to the organs near the colon. During this stage, the most recommended treatments are chemotherapy, antibody therapy, and radiation therapy. The survival rate for patients who have reached this stage is reduced to 78%.

Stage 3 Colon Cancer

Stage 3, or Dukes C colon cancer, is when tumors are already found in more than one lymph node throughout the body. Is colon cancer treatable for those who have reached stage 3? The chances of survival are higher for those with less than 5 positive lymph nodes during this stage. At best, survival rate is 64%, and treatment involves chemotherapy with fluorouracil and leucovorin, surgery, and radiation for large tumors.

Stage 4 Colon Cancer

During this stage, the cancer has spread to other organs like the lungs and liver. Also referred to as Dukes D, this is already a very morbid stage and survival rate is very, very low at 8%. Treatment options include chemotherapy with Avastatin, Erbitux, and Vectibix, immunological therapy, and radiation. Surgery is of course the primary treatment but if the cancer does not respond which is usually the case here, then chemotherapy will be the main treatment.

Is colon cancer treatable? The answer would depend on which stage the cancer is at. Apparently, if discovered late, then the treatment may no longer be as effective. In any case, it is always better to prevent colon cancer from occurring, and instead of waiting for it to happen, you must find ways to avoid it completely. A healthy diet and lifestyle, and having a properly cleansed and detoxified colon can very well prevent colon cancer. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday, a high-fiber diet, and undergo colon cleansing regularly.