Colon cancer survival rate: Can you survive colon cancer?

1. Colon Cancer Survival Rate: Can You Survive Colon Cancer? Colon Cancer Lifestyle changes have increased the risk of cancer development in adults and their future generations. One of the common cancers which have affected the digestive system is colon cancer. The abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the lower parts of the colon indicates the likely presence of colon cancer. In most cases, cancer in colon and rectum region occurs together, which is medically referred to as colorectal cancer. The exact causes of colon cancer are not known, but researchers say that smoking, consumption of high- fiber diet, family history, age above 50 years and inflammatory bowel disease increase the chances of getting colon cancer. The major symptoms of colon cancer include bleeding from the rectum region, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, bowel obstruction and small diameter stools. Prognosis of Colon Cancer Colon cancer is considered to be the fourth most widespread cancer diagnosed in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that more than 139,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer and about 52,000 people died from the disease, in the year 2014. According to the Colorectal Cancer Coalition, the Colon cancer survival rate has tremendously increased by 30% from 1991 to 2009. The data analysis from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program for the year 2007-2013, indicate that the average five-year colon cancer survival rate of patient cancer is 65.1%. The data also specify the following details:

2. Localized Stage 0 and stage 1 colon cancer which has not spread beyond the primary site of origin has a five-year survival rate of 89.9 %. Regional Regional colon cancer signifies the cancer which has spread to the lymph nodes. It has a five-year survival rate of 71.3%. Distant If colon cancer has grown or metastasized to other parts of your body, such as the brain, liver or lungs, then it is known as distant spread of cancer. Such a case has a five-year survival rate of 13.9%. Unknown stage In various cases, the cancer cannot be staged. For example, if a person undergoing cancer diagnosis refuses to undergo further testing or treatment. Then in such a situation, the stage of the cancer cannot be known. Thereby, an unknown stage colon cancer has a five-year survival of 35.4%. The overall outlook for recovery of a colon cancer patient entirely depends upon specific individual characteristics. Doctors and healthcare professionals consider large number of factors while calculating the chance of survival after colon cancer treatment. Long-term survival of colon cancer usually depends upon the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis and treatment of the individual. Factors affecting Colon Cancer Prognosis According to the National Cancer Institute, the factors which can affect the prognosis of your colon cancer are as follows: Stage The stage of colon cancer indicates the spread of cancer in your body. Grade Cancer grade talks about the appearance of cancerous cells compared to normal body cells.

3. Lymph Node Involvement In higher stages of cancer, tumor cells spread from their original site to the lymph nodes. General Health Your general health affects your body’s ability to endure treatment side effects and also plays a key role in deciding your outcome. Colon Blockage In rare cases, colon cancer blocks the colon pathways or grows through the colon wall, leading to a hole in the bowel. These situations also impact your outlook.