Treatment and Prevention
There are three possible treatments for colon cancer: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Surgery is the treatment most likely to cure colon cancer, but it's only used for people with stage 1 to stage 3 cancer. If you're diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, you will have to undergo chemotherapy in addition to surgery. The same is sometimes true of stage 2 tumors.
Polyps can be removed without surgery. An endoscope is fitted with special cutters for the task.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to avoid risky behaviors like smoking and to improve your diet. Losing weight, quitting smoking, and getting more exercise also reduce your risk.
Diets high in vegetables, fruits, and fiber have been shown to help prevent colon cancer. There is also evidence to suggest that calcium may be protective.
Above all, get screened for polyps if you have risk factors. People who have had polyps removed are at more than twice the average colon cancer risk for their age. People who leave them in, however, are at eight times the normal risk.
Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.