Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Available Strategies and Financial Assistance Options
Early-stage colon cancer, known as Stage I, is treatable with a high success rate, especially when detected early. The standard first-line treatment for this stage of colon cancer is surgical removal of the tumor [1][2].
Surgery aims to completely remove the tumor and any affected part of the colon. In most cases, no adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for Stage I colon cancer, unless there are unusual high-risk features [1].
For Stage II colon cancer, chemotherapy might not be given unless high-risk factors like T4 tumors, poor differentiation, or vascular invasion are present [1].
It's important to note that the best treatment for colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the type of colorectal cancer, stage, treatment side effects, and individual health.
If colon cancer is present, a surgeon will perform a surgical resection of the part of the colon with cancer, along with removing lymph nodes. This procedure helps to ensure that any cancer cells have been removed, reducing the risk of the cancer returning [3].
After surgery, chemotherapy may be administered as adjuvant chemotherapy to further reduce the risk of the cancer returning. For advanced cancer, chemotherapy can help relieve symptoms and increase life expectancy [4].
Targeted therapy medications, which work by preventing the growth of blood vessels to tumor sites, are often used alongside chemotherapy. These medications can help to improve treatment outcomes [5].
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors becomes more relevant in early-stage colorectal cancers that exhibit specific genetic features like deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). However, this is not standard for all early-stage colon cancers [5].
For those who may face financial difficulties due to cancer treatment, organizations such as CancerCare, Fight! Colorectal Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer Alliance may offer financial help [6]. Additionally, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance may cover some costs associated with cancer treatment.
Both rectal and colon cancer are highly curable if caught in the early stages. Treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer aims to cure the cancer by removing cancer in the colon or rectum and destroying tumors in other parts of the body.
Ablation techniques for colorectal cancer include radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, and injecting ethanol into the tumor. These techniques can be used to destroy tumors that cannot be surgically removed [7].
Radiation therapy is another treatment option for colorectal cancer. This treatment aims to kill cancer cells by aiming high-energy rays directly into the tumor [8].
For later stages of colorectal cancer, a doctor will likely recommend systemic medications to shrink the tumors [9]. Embolization can also be used to treat tumors that have spread to the liver by injecting a substance directly into the artery in the liver to reduce or block blood flow [10].
In conclusion, the standard first-line treatment for early-stage colon cancer is surgery alone. However, the best treatment plan will depend on the specific circumstances of each individual case. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colon-rectal/hp/colon-treatment-pdq [2] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2019). ASCO Answers: What is the standard treatment for stage I colon cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/ask-expert/what-standard-treatment-stage-i-colon-cancer [3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - Patient Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colon-rectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq [4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy.html [5] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colon-rectal/patient/colorectal-immunotherapy-pdq [6] CancerCare. (2021). Financial Assistance. Retrieved from https://www.cancercare.org/financial-assistance/ [7] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Ablation for Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colon-rectal/patient/colorectal-treatment-pdq#section/_304 [8] American Cancer Society. (2021). Radiation Therapy for Colon Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/treatment/radiation-therapy.html [9] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Systemic Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colon-rectal/patient/metastatic-colorectal-treatment-pdq [10] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Embolization for Liver Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/liver/patient/liver-tumor-treatment-pdq#section/_66
- The first-line treatment for early-stage colon cancer, known as Stage I, is usually surgical removal of the tumor, but adjuvant chemotherapy might not be recommended unless there are unusual high-risk features.
- For later stages of colon cancer, a doctor may suggest systemic medications to shrink the tumors or embolization to treat tumors that have spread to the liver.
- Beyond surgery, treatments for colorectal cancer can include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and ablation techniques like radiofrequency ablation.
- In the case of Stage II colon cancer, chemotherapy might be given if high-risk factors like T4 tumors, poor differentiation, or vascular invasion are present.
- For those facing financial difficulties due to cancer treatment, organizations like CancerCare, Fight! Colorectal Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer Alliance may offer financial help, while Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance may also cover some costs associated with cancer treatment.
