Cancer is often treated by a team of specialists including an oncologist, a surgeon, a radiation oncologist and other medical staff. The doctors may decide to use one treatment method or a combination of methods. Your treatment plan at the Saint Francis Cancer Center depends on many things, including the type, location and stage of the cancer, as well as your general health.
Common Colon Cancer Treatment Options
In most cases, treatments for colon cancer can include:
- Surgery, most often a colectomy (the surgical resection of any extent of the large intestine), to remove cancer cells
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissue
Surgery
Stage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the cancer cells, often during a colonoscopy. For stages I, II and III cancers, more extensive surgery is needed to remove the part of the colon that is cancerous.
Chemotherapy
Nearly all patients with stage III colon cancer will receive chemotherapy after surgery for approximately six to eight months. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is also used to improve symptoms and prolong survival in patients with stage IV colon cancer.
Radiation
Although radiation therapy is occasionally used for patients with colon cancer, it is usually used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with stage III rectal cancer.
For patients with stage IV disease that has spread to the liver, various treatments directed specifically at the liver can be used. This may include:
- Burning the cancer (ablation)
- Delivering chemotherapy or radiation directly into the liver
- Freezing the cancer (cryotherapy)
- Surgery
Learn More About Colon Cancer
About Colorectal Cancer
Colon Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Colon Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Learn More About Cancer Services Provided by Saint Francis
For additional information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.