Colorectal Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

The American Cancer Society provides five-year survival rates based on whether cancer recurred in the first five years after the initial diagnosis. While everyone is different, the outcome for patients with colon and rectal cancers is dependent on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed.

• Localized - It does not appear that the cancer has spread outside of the colon or rectum. This is often the case if a cancerous polyp was found during a screening colonoscopy.

• Regional - The colon or rectal cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, usually in the groin.

• Distant - The cancer has spread to other organs in the body, most commonly the liver, lungs, or distant lymph nodes.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized colon cancer is 91%. This is because treatment is provided before it can spread to other areas of the body. Regional colon cancer has a five-year survival rate of 73% and distant colon cancer’s five-year survival rate is 13%.

For rectal cancer, the five-year survival rate is as follows:

• Localized - 90%

• Regional - 74%

• Distant - 18%

This data highlights the importance of colorectal cancer screening to find anything unusual as early as possible.

Yes, colorectal cancer can be treated in the early stages. Finding cancer (or pre-cancerous cells) early and treating them promptly gives you the best chance of a cure. Early treatment is easier on you (and less expensive) compared to late-stage cancer treatment.

However, if the tumor is advanced or has spread to other parts of your body, it can be fatal. More than 50,000 people die of colorectal cancer every year in the United States.

Colorectal cancer can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body if it extends beyond the colon or rectum. When this occurs, it most commonly affects the liver and lungs, but it can also spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), bones, and brain. The location of the spread influences both the symptoms experienced and the treatment plan. In cases where the tumor is too large for surgery at the time of diagnosis, other treatments may be given to shrink the cancer.

For some patients, surgery is all that is needed to remove localized cancer cells. However, some cancer specialists will recommend radiation therapy to be sure any cancer cells left behind during surgery are also killed. This can also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence after treatment has ended.

Other treatments for colorectal cancer include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Some patients may also be eligible to participate in a clinical trial.

Learn about treatment options for colon and rectal cancers.

Biomarker testing involves sending a sample of the colon tumor to a lab where the cells are evaluated for any "biomarkers" that indicate genetic mutations or protein overgrowths causing the cancer to grow. Based on the biomarker test results, the oncologist can create a highly personalized treatment plan that may include targeted therapy or immunotherapy drugs specifically designed to counteract the genetic mutations identified during testing. If no biomarkers are found in the tumor sample, your care team will recommend alternative treatment options.

A lot of times, colon cancer is found during a screening colonoscopy. Or, for some patients, during a more exploratory exam after suspicious polyps were found. Oftentimes, the polyps are removed during this procedure. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the polyps, a colectomy may be needed. This is the partial or total removal of the colon, depending on how far the cancer has spread.

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that diverts the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall so waste can exit the body. A bag is placed at the opening to collect the bowel movements. For many patients with a partial colectomy, this is temporary while the surgical site heals. The colon can then be reconnected for normal bowel movements. If the colon is completely removed, a permanent colostomy or ileostomy bag is necessary.

Side effects can vary among individuals, as they depend on the types of therapies included in the colorectal cancer treatment plan and each person's response to them. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, neuropathy in the hands and feet, and changes in appetite or taste.

One common combination of chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer is FOLFOX. Patients receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy may become particularly sensitive to heat and cold in their hands and feet.

While hair loss is not typically associated with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, some patients may experience hair thinning. Generally, this thinning is temporary, and hair usually regrows after treatment ends.

If you are experiencing any side effects from your treatment, talk to your oncology nurse, advanced practice provider, or oncologist. They can often help you manage hair thinning or other side effects associated with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer treatment.

Cancer Care Centers of Brevard participates extensively in clinical research at our locations throughout Brevard County and the Space Coast. Our patients have access to some of the latest treatments for colon and rectal cancer through clinical research trials. Talk to your oncologist about whether a trial might be right for you and your type of cancer.

Two-thirds of colorectal cancer diagnoses are in people with no family history of the disease. The other one-third of cases have a family member who was also diagnosed with colorectal cancer. There is a genetic condition called Lynch Syndrome that is connected to the development of colorectal cancer in about 2-4% of all cases. However, even if you do not test positive for Lynch Syndrome and you have a family member diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you are at an increased risk. Talk to your doctor about the right colon cancer screening schedule for you. Learn more about colorectal cancer genetics.

For more than 25 years, the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard (CCCB) has been dedicated to providing patient-centered care that includes access to the most advanced technologies and therapies in and around Brevard County, Florida. Our oncologists and advanced practice providers are highly trained experts committed to delivering the best treatment for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Our financial counselors will carefully review your insurance plan to help you understand what will be covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. Fortunately, receiving cancer care at an independent cancer center, such as Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, often results in more affordable care compared to treatment at hospital outpatient departments. According to the Community Oncology Alliance, cancer treatment can cost up to 50% less in an independent oncology practice than in a hospital-affiliated outpatient department.

Choosing to receive cancer care at a lower cost does not mean compromising on quality. We provide the same high-quality care as hospital-affiliated oncology departments, using advanced technologies and personalized treatments at a more affordable price. Learn more about the cost of cancer treatment at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard.