Detailed information on how the digestive system works, including a full-color, labeled illustration of the digestive system.
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Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either your colon or your rectum. These make up the lower part of your digestive tract. In most cases, cancer does not start in both the colon and rectum. But both types of cancer have a lot in common. So they are often called colorectal cancer.
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Detailed information on the most common tests and procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
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Your healthcare provider might believe you have colorectal cancer based on the results of a routine screening test. Or you might have symptoms that could be caused by colorectal cancer. You will need certain exams and tests to be sure.
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There are various treatment choices for colorectal cancer. Which may work best for you? It depends on a number of factors. These include the type, size, location, and stage of your cancer. Factors also include your age, overall health, and what side effects you’ll find acceptable.
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Be prepared to talk with your healthcare providers about your colorectal cancer treatment.
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Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a way to treat colorectal cancer. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill cancer cells by directing strong X-rays at the site of the tumor.
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Surgery is often part of the treatment for colorectal cancer. Different kinds of surgery may be done. Which type you have depends on the type of cancer, where it is, how much it has spread, and other factors.
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Targeted therapy medicines attack specific proteins or cell functions that help cancer cells grow. Like chemotherapy, these medicines work throughout the body, but they work in different ways. This means they can sometimes be helpful even if chemotherapy isn’t working.
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You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals.
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Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away.
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Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This is a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast.
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To reduce your risk for infection, avoid people who are sick with contagious illnesses, including colds, the flu, measles, or chickenpox.
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Some people with colorectal cancer or other bowel problems may need a colostomy. This is when surgery is done to change the way food wastes leave the body. Living with a colostomy is a major change. But knowing what to expect and how to deal with it can help you adjust.
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Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either your colon or your rectum. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
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