Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestine. The colon, the longest part of the large intestine which ends in the anus. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of death due to cancer globally and ranks in the top 10 among causes of death due to cancer among Indians, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research.
This classification can be determined by the pathologist based on the sample taken during surgery or colonoscopy.
STAGING OF COLORECTAL CANCER
If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor will run more tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. The stage of your cancer is based on the size and spread of the tumour and helps your doctor decide which treatments are optimum.
Sources: European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO); American Cancer Society; ICMR; Stanford Health;
SCREENING & DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN COLORECTAL CANCER
TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL CANCER
The management of cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, additional health issues, age etc. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy may be used.
Sources: European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO); Mayo Clinic;
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT): Unlike most other diseases, cancer treatment requires an integrated approach from several specialists, each with their own expertise. This team of specialists who would work together on your cancer, is referred to as the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Many global organisations have recognized the importance of a MDT for cancer treatment, as it improves coordinated care to you, as a patient. Your MDT would include specialists from the following:
Some hospitals that take an organ-based approach to cancer, have a separate department for Gastrointestinal Cancers. These teams comprise of specialists who have dedicated training in cancers of the digestive system.
TUMOR BOARD: A tumor board is a meeting where a Multi-Disciplinary Team discusses cancer cases and share knowledge. The board’s goal is to determine the best possible cancer treatment and care plan for an individual patient. Having fresh perspectives from other doctors makes it much easier to come up with that plan.
In some hospitals, all cancer cases are discussed at the Tumor Board, while in other hospitals the Tumor Board focuses on cases where a doctor seeks inputs from other specialists on the patient's case. It’s OK to ask your doctor if or why your case was discussed at a tumor board. Or if it wasn’t, why not? In some cases, a patient’s treatment plan is very straightforward using standard treatment guidelines, and the doctor may feel a tumor board review isn’t needed. However, you can request that one be done.
SUPPORT GROUPS: These are offline or online groups that connect patients suffering from cancer. Do find out about a support group around you. The hospital where you are being treated may have a support group that you could join.
Sources: Mayo Clinic;
Choosing your oncologist and hospital is a very important decision, we recommend you make the time to research your options. We profile doctors and hospitals based on their range of services to treat colorectal cancer. Use our search tools to find a suitable medical provider. You may call us for assistance to find a medical provider or make a booking.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you need to find an oncologist to begin your treatment. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. For colorectal cancer, you can start by visiting a surgical oncologist, a gastrointestinal surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist. Choose someone you are not only confident about but also comfortable with.
TIPS TO FIND AN ONCOLOGIST
TIPS TO FIND A HOSPITAL
Sources: Rogel Cancer Center; Cancer.Net
Source: Get Palliative Care
Source: Cancer Research UK
Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
It is a unique peer-support network of cancer survivors, for patients. By being a part of this network, you can support patients by speaking to them on a call.
Why should I join the Canswer network?
Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge experiences”. Only you, the survivor, has the real experience to support and guide patients who are still fighting cancer. Most patients say talking to a survivor is an important way of dealing with the disease. We want this network to provide a simple way for survivors to support patients, by just making a call.
What is expected of me during the call?
Simply share your experience with the patient honestly. Most patients may have questions on situations that cancer patients face commonly, you can use your own experience to answer. Good listening and encouragement can do wonders.
How will I know if any patient wants to talk to me?
Patients who find your profile as a match can request an introduction to you through our website. Our team will get in touch with you to seek a time that is convenient for you to take the call. We will schedule the call to introduce you to the patient at the appointed time.
Will my identity and contact details be shared?
Your contact details (such as name, phone, email, etc.) are never shared with anyone. We will facilitate the call using a phone line that doesn’t reveal your number during the call.
How much time do I have to devote, if I join this network?
Calls are only setup after taking a prior appointment with you. There is no expectation of minimum or maximum number of calls you have to take, it’s totally up to you. The normal duration of a call is up to 20-30 mins. If the patient needs more time, we request them to schedule a separate call.
Do I get paid for attending calls?
Yes. We appreciate the time you make from your busy schedule to support patients. As a token of appreciation, we provide Rs. 1000/- at the end of every five calls you support.
Please follow these Do’s and Don’ts while guiding patients or caregivers:
Enter your name and mobile number so that you can get a Call Back from our team.
Note: DCode Care doesn’t charge anything to patients for coordinating enquiries and booking appointments to its patients.