Nonsurgical Cancer Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, our mission is to provide hope in the fight against cancer through effective, convenient treatment. Our six state-of-the-art cancer centers serve countless patients throughout the greater Phoenix, AZ area, and we’re proud to offer the most cutting-edge radiation therapy treatments on the market. If you’re fighting colorectal cancer, we know you’re probably feeling overwhelmed – but the first step is learning the answers to the most common questions.
Common Questions About Colorectal Cancer
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to any cancerous growth that forms in the cells of the colon or the rectum. The most common place for colorectal to start is on the inner lining of the intestine, and it generally forms from a precancerous polyp that grows on the inside of the intestine.
How common is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. For both men and women, colorectal is the third most common cancer, affecting 137,000 people each year.
How is colorectal cancer detected and diagnosed?
Because colorectal cancer is so common, it’s recommended that most people receive regular preventive screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people over 50 get a colonoscopy once every 10 years to check for colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. However, your own likelihood depends on the specifics of your medical history, so you should talk with your doctor to determine your ideal frequency of screening.
If I’ve had stomach (gastric) cancer before, am I more likely to get colorectal cancer?
No, the two conditions aren’t related. While both gastric and colorectal cancer form in the digestive tract, a previous history of gastric cancer doesn’t generally affect your risk for colorectal cancer.
If I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), am I at a higher risk for colorectal cancer?
There is no known link between IBS and colorectal cancer. Most people with IBS simply need to follow the screening guidelines for their demographic. That said, if you see blood in your stool or experience a sudden change of symptoms, you should talk with your doctor to determine if colorectal cancer is a possibility.
What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?
As with all cancers, the treatments for colorectal cancer vary depending on the specifics of your case, and only you and your doctor can decide on the right treatment for you. Surgery is a common treatment for colorectal cancer, as it’s often simple to remove the section of the colon with the tumor and leave the rest of the colon intact. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer treatments like targeted and immunotherapy.
Contact Your Phoenix Radiation Therapy Specialists
Battling cancer is one of life’s hardest challenges, but it’s never something you have to do alone. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to help patients throughout Phoenix beat cancer through world-class treatment – and if you’re ready to start the road to recovery, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments and schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you beat cancer and reclaim the healthy, normal life you deserve.
