Video - Colon Cancer Stages and Treatment

 
Like every other type of cancer, colon cancer is described in "stages." Treatment for colon cancer is usually more successful when it is diagnosed early. The later the stage, the lower the survival rate. 

In this video, the doctor describes the stages of colon cancer in clear and simple terms. Basically there are four different stages, but several of them are broken down into sub-categories. Five year survival rates for colon cancer are listed below.
 

In reviewing colon cancer survival rates, it's important to note that patients with colon cancer are often fifty or older. The older the patient, the more susceptible he or she will be to other health challenges. Therefore, some patients who do not sruvive for the standard five-year measuring period may die of other causes not related to colon cancer. For that reason, colon cancer survival rates may actually be higher than those listed below.

• I     74%
   
• IIA   67%
   
• IIB   59%
   
• IIC   37%
   
• IIIA  73%
   
• IIIB  46%
   
• IIIC  28%
   
• IV    6%

Generally, survival rates are based on valid scientific and medical research, but of course, cannot predict outcomes in each individual case. Nonetheless, accurately diagnosing a patient's stage is an important factor in deciding on a course of treatment and estimating the probable outcome.  

Click on American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer to go to Amazon.com's product information page for this book.

It is also available from Barnes and Noble by clicking here or Borders by clicking here.