In the US, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in males and females, with a higher incidence in males compared with females. The lifetime average risk is approximately 4 %. The occurrence of colon cancer is also approximately 20 percent higher in African Americans than Caucasians. Some patients are at higher risk for colon cancer based on inherited genetic conditions. As a result of significant advances in medical science, the number of cases of colon cancer and deaths caused due to colon cancer has progressively declined over the past several decades in the United States.
The are several reasons for this good news. All of them important to know and understand as the disease is preventable and if, detected early, treatable.
Colon Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Regular colonoscopies after the age of 45 not only detect colon cancer in its early stages when it is easily treatable but also can prevent the development of cancer in the first place by identifying and removing colon polyps and other precancerous lesions from the colon.
Colon Cancer Surgery
Newer surgical techniques such as laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery help in precise location and removal of the cancer tumor and affected lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
More effective and safer chemotherapy drugs have been developed which destroy cancer cells while causing minimum damage to healthy tissue.
Targeted Colon Cancer Treatment Therapy with Immunotherapy
Several targeted therapy drugs are being used to treat advanced colon cancers. They act on the specific areas of cancer cells that differentiate them from normal cells.
Regular Check-Ups Important for Early Detection
Early detection gives you the best odds of survival – with approximately 90% chance of five-year survival after localized detection of cancer, 70% after regional spread of cancer and 10% survival after metastasis (spread of the cancer to another site in the body). It is highly recommended that you schedule regular check-ups with your medical provider to review family history, discuss any health changes and complete a colon cancer screening if you’re age 45 or older.
To learn more, Call Ouilikon Medical Associates at (717) 484-514 or online to set up an appointment today. Ouilikon Medical Associates is primary care physician office in Lancaster County, PA serving the communities in Ephrata, Adamstown, Denver, Reading and the surrounding areas that provides a full range of medical care for adults.
