From Surgery to Lifestyle Changes
Colon cancer is a form of cancer that affects the large intestine. It is a serious disease, but there are many ways to treat it. Each option works in its own way to help patients live better lives or beat the illness. In this article, we will explore different treatment options for colon cancer.
1. Zirabev
Zirabev is a medicine that helps stop cancer cells from growing. It is used along with other treatments, like chemotherapy. Zirabev works by blocking a substance in the body that helps cancer create new blood vessels. Without these vessels, cancer cells do not get the oxygen they need to grow. This medicine can slow down the spread of colon cancer and make other treatments work better.
2. Polypectomy
A polypectomy is a procedure used to remove polyps from the lining of the colon. Polyps are small growths that sometimes turn into cancer. Doctors remove these growths early to stop cancer from developing. During the procedure, a small tool is inserted into the colon to snip off the polyps. This is often done during a colonoscopy and is less invasive than other forms of surgery.
3. Partial Colectomy
A partial colectomy is a surgery that removes part of the colon. This treatment is used when cancer is found in a specific area. In a partial colectomy, the doctor cuts out the section of the colon that contains the cancer and then connects the remaining parts. By removing the cancerous section, this surgery helps stop the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
4. Surgical Resection with Colostomy
This is another type of surgery that is used when the cancer is in a tough spot or has spread widely. In this procedure, a part of the colon is removed and an opening called a stoma is made in the abdomen. Waste from the body then leaves through this opening into a colostomy bag. Sometimes this is a temporary change, while other times it becomes a long-term solution. This treatment helps clear out the cancer and preserves the patient’s overall health when other surgical options may be risky.
5. Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. A small needle is placed near the tumor and energy is given to heat up and kill the cancer cells. This method is less invasive than traditional surgery and can be used when surgery is not a good option due to the patient’s health or the location of the tumor.
6. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to attack the specific molecules or genes that help cancer grow. These treatments work by focusing on cancer cells and leaving healthy cells mostly alone. Targeted therapy can be given alongside other treatments to improve overall results. For colon cancer, target drugs block pathways that cancer cells use to divide and multiply.
7. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a well-known treatment that uses strong medicines to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. The medicine is given in a way that it reaches the entire body, which helps in fighting cancer that may have spread. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
8. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. In this approach, doctors use medicines that boost the immune system so it can better recognize and attack cancer cells. This type of treatment is used when other treatments have not been as effective. Although it is a newer option, immunotherapy is growing as an important tool for managing the disease.
9. Diet
Eating a healthy diet is a key part of caring for someone with colon cancer. A good diet can help the body stay strong during treatment and recovery. Doctors and nutritionists often suggest eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Foods full of fiber can also help support the colon. A healthy diet goes hand in hand with other treatments so that patients can feel better and have more energy during their fight against cancer.
10. Quit Smoking
Smoking is harmful to nearly every part of the body. For patients with colon cancer, quitting smoking can improve the effectiveness of treatments and lower the chance of complications. Smoking can weaken the body’s immune system and slow down the healing process. Many doctors recommend quitting smoking as part of an overall plan to beat cancer.