Colorectal Cancer News

New Surgical Advances for Colon Cancer

Last year over 150,000 Americans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Colon cancer has few signs and symptoms until it’s in its advanced stages, making it difficult to detect. This is one of the reasons that early screening tests are essential for fighting the disease. It is recommended that most people begin getting regular screening tests at age 50, although people with a family history or have a higher risk should begin earlier.

For those who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer, surgery is the usual course of treatment. Surgery can be given in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Often, when the cancer is found early enough, the patient receives a laparoscopic resection, which only removes the cancerous part of the colon and is minimally invasive. If the cancer has spread, the patient usually undergoes a round chemotherapy.

New research is developing a robotic technique for surgery. The technique is currently being used for heart surgeries. This new technique can perform colon cancer surgeries within the pelvis, a narrow area with many vital functions. The new technology would preserve the important nerves that affect fertility and sexual function.

References
Charles, Katie. Colon cancer: New surgical advances against a leading form of cancer. NY Daily News. 2011 February 17.

Return