Comprehensive Care for Colorectal Cancer in Texas

Colorectal cancer is found in the rectum or colon and requires expert care and treatment. Colorectal cancer affects both women and men. Its treatments and side effects may impact the quality of life of a patient. Once diagnosed, the patient should consult with expert physicians to understand their condition and choose the best treatment option.

Most cancer centers offer personalized and comprehensive care with properly developed treatment plans that are tailored to the needs of each patient. Individualized care helps a patient to maintain their quality of life and as well provides treatment options that are targeted to their type and stage of colorectal cancer. Good cancer care centers often take an integrative approach which combines colorectal cancer treatments with techniques of managing any side effects to treat the whole person.

Here are some of the comprehensive procedures in cancer care:

• Colorectal cancer screening – Screening helps to find colon cancer at an early stage to provide the chance for effective treatment and cure. Screening for colon cancer reduces the risk of a patient dying from the disease. Recommendations for screening should start at the age of 50, but people at high risk should begin screening at 45 years of age. There are several screening tests including colonoscopy, blood tests and imaging tests.

• Treatment for colon cancer – The treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Colorectal cancer has three initial treatments including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Other treatment options include immunotherapy, targeted therapy and various operations such as robotic and invasive surgery. Comprehensive cancer centers offer a multi-disciplinary system of care that comprises of a team of physicians working together to treat colon cancer. They tailor a patient’s treatment plan to cater to their unique needs.

Palliative care is also offered by cancer centers to provide relief from pain and symptoms of serious illnesses. Palliative care is provided by specialists who work with the patients and their family members and doctors to provide complementary support to the ongoing treatments. This helps colorectal cancer patients to improve their quality of life.