We never know what the future may hold, and although none of us ever wish to consider the fact that we may get sick in the future, the unfortunate reality is that it is a strong possibility, as none of us is invincible.
Cancer is a word which nobody wants to hear, yet the simple fact of the matter is that statistically 1 in 2 people will suffer from cancer in their lifetime. Colon cancer for example, is a very common form of cancer which is what we’re going to talk about today.
There are many different colon cancer symptoms, and as for the colon cancer causes, there are a whole number of variables to consider. One thing that is for certain, though, is the fact that the sooner you can get a diagnosis and receive treatment, the more likely you will be to make a full recovery.
Choosing a colon cancer stage 4 treatment facility however, is much easier said than done but it is something which you must take very seriously and not take any chances with.
There are many countries and hospitals to consider for colon cancer treatment, so here’s a look at colon cancer symptoms, how to choose a treatment facility, along with colon cancer causes.
What is Colon Cancer?
First and foremost, we need to begin by taking a look at exactly what colon cancer is.
Colon cancer is sadly one of the more common forms of cancer that begins within the large intestine, called the colon, which is the final part of your digestive tract.
This type of cancer often affects older adults although it can also affect younger people as well. It typically begins with the formation of a clump of benign cells, usually non-cancerous, which are known as polyps.
These cells form on the inside of the colon and as time passes by, these cells can mutate and become cancerous, resulting in the affliction known as colon cancer.
As mentioned, cancer is a word nobody ever wants to hear, and while there are many colon cancer symptoms to be aware of, the good news is that colon cancer survival rate statistics are very positive as this is one of the more treatable forms of cancer.
Treatment options include:
- Radiotherapy
- Drug treatments
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- And more…
Colon Cancer Symptoms
As with any cancer, the sooner you can make a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment which means the greater your risk of a full recovery will be.
Common colon cancer symptoms include:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Trouble emptying your bowels
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Blood in your stool
- Change in your bathroom habits
Choosing a Colon cancer treatment center
As mentioned, time is of the essence when it comes to cancer, so the sooner you can begin treatment after receiving a diagnosis, the better it is.
With that said, finding the right colon cancer treatment facility is essential if you do wish to make a recovery yet finding the right one is easier said than done.
When it comes to your health, you should never take any chances, so here’s a look at several tips for choosing the right colon cancer treatment center and doctor.
Request a referral from your primary care doctor
First and foremost, when deciding on a doctor to help treat your colon cancer, one of the best things you can do is speak to your primary care doctor and request a referral.
Remember, your primary care doctor will likely have experience with cases like yours and will almost certainly know a number of experts who can offer you the help and treatment that you require.
Consider a facility which provides clinical trials
Another useful tip when it comes to choosing a center for your colon cancer treatment, is to consider a facility which provides clinical trials.
If conventional treatment isn’t proving as effective, or if perhaps you have aggressive colon cancer stage 4, you may wish to consider clinical trials using new and innovative drugs, treatments, and procedures which are not yet commonplace in the medical world.
These procedures are not yet available in most treatment centres because they’re new and in the early stages, yet many believe that it is certainly worth the risk.
Consider overseas Cancer treatment
Remember, when talking about cancer treatments, we aren’t just talking about your everyday surgical procedures, we’re talking treatments which could save your life.
As a result of this, when deciding on a cancer treatment center, please do not assume that the nearest facility to your home is the one which you should go with. More and more people are now considering overseas medical care and treatments, so again, don’t let your location be the deciding factor.
If it comes down to receiving mediocre cancer treatment in an unreputable and rundown practice, or top quality medical care at a prestigious center located overseas, which do you think you would be better off with?
Many people undergoing colon cancer treatment abroad will basically pack up their cases and go to live abroad for a number of weeks or months to be closer to the doctors and the centers which could potentially be providing them with life-saving treatments.
Speak with more than one doctor
When you’re considering having work done on your home, do you simply go with the first construction worker you come across online, or do you speak to several to get a feel for them, get quotes, and figure out their credentials?
We’d hope that you’d speak to several and the same principle applies when it comes to colon cancer doctors.
When deciding on a doctor, or doctors, to treat your cancer, ideally you should meet up with several as that way you can compare treatment recommendations and options, as well as simply see how you feel about them and their bedside manners.
Make sure to ask about credentials and qualifications
When speaking to doctors, another very important thing to remember is to always ask them about their credentials and their qualifications.
Remember, you are trusting these doctors with your life, so you need to know that you are in the safest hands possible.
When it comes to colon cancer symptoms, you need to ensure that the doctor you are considering is indeed up to the task at hand and is able to help diagnose these symptoms, and begin a precise and expert treatment plan to help give you the best possible chances of making a full recovery and getting on your feet in no time at all.
Ask the doctors what their credentials and qualifications are and if they are hesitant to tell you, or if the info they have provided you with doesn’t check out, don’t be afraid to walk away and start again from scratch.
Consider the technology on offer
Right now, the colon cancer survival rate is higher than ever before, and that is due in part to the many breakthroughs and advancements in modern technology and modern medicine.
When you’re considering a hospital or indeed, a country, for colon cancer treatment, make sure that you do some research into what kind of technology the practice in question has to offer. Ideally you will want a facility with state of the art modern technology designed to assist with cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
New advancements in radiation therapy for example, have contributed towards the rise in colon cancer survival rate stats as these devices allow the specialists to provide larger and more concentrated doses of radiation in a much more precise manner, to destroy the cancerous cells.
Not only that, but these miraculous devices also provide less damage to the surrounding tissues, meaning that recovery rates can increase and that there is less pain and discomfort to be concerned with.
Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion
Whether you’re not sure about your initial diagnosis, or if you simply wish to double, or even triple check, never be afraid to seek a second opinion.
No matter how comfortable you are with your doctor, and no matter how experienced or qualified they may be in dealing with cases like yours, they are only human and we all make mistakes, no matter how brilliant we may be.
If there is anything you are unsure about, or even if you simply just want to benefit from peace of mind, never be afraid to contact another specialist and seek a second opinion, to be certain if nothing more.