The long-term outlook at the chance of survival after therapy is called the
prognosis. Survival rates are greatly increased with early detection.
The overall 5-year survival rate from colon cancer is approximately 60%.
Stage 0 and Stage I cancers have a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. Stage II
and III cancers have a survival rate of between 70-85% depending on whether the
cancer has spread out to other areas or not. If the tumor spreads to the lymph
nodes, the 5-year survival rate is less than 60%. Recurrent cancer has a poor
prognosis, with an only 5% survival rate.
Prevention
There are several things a person who wishes to decrease their likelihood of
developing colon cancer can do.
Take aspirin on a daily
basis. Aspirin interferes with prostaglandin metabolism which is thought
to be the reason it reduces the risk of colon, stomach, and esophagus
cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease. One coated adult aspiring
(325mg) is considered adequate. Despite its usefulness in the quest for
preventing colon cancer, it must be noted that aspiring can cause ulcers
and bleeding, among other things.)
Quit smoking.
Supplement the calcium in
your diet. The general recommendation is 1500 mg or more a day, but talk
to your doctor about the right amount for you.
Exercise daily.
Lose any extra weight.
Of course, doing all these things will not guarantee exemption from
colorectal cancer, but it is certainly worth the time to lower your risk
factors. Besides getting daily exercise, quitting smoking, and losing excess
weight will decrease the risks of many other diseases and potentially fatal
illnesses too. Know your body and trust your judgment; if you think something
is wrong, go to the doctor. Always remember, it is better to be a hypochondriac
than a corpse.