Canadian Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 14 Canadian men and 1 in 18 Canadian women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. 1 in 32 men and 1 in 37 women will die from colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, generally develops very slowly. A person can have cancer for years without showing any symptoms.
So, before discussing the treatment for colorectal cancer in Laval, it is important to understand the varied colon cancer screening options, their advantages & potential drawbacks, and how to determine the best option for yourself.
Colon Cancer Screening aims to detect and treat colorectal cancer before the symptoms have developed. Usually, at the time of screening, the cancer is at an early stage and the chances of curing it are higher.
The iFOBT (Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test) is designed to find the presence of blood hidden in stool. Further information on iFOBT you can find on the Official website of the Gouvernement du Québec.
The main benefits of iFOBT are its ease for patients and relatively low costs. However, the test has significant disadvantages:
See Colonoscopy Risks and Benefits section.
The right colon cancer screening option should be decided after discussing the pros and cons of each with your doctor. While iFOBT is comparatively an easier and low-cost option, colonoscopy helps in removing the polyps that would become cancerous in the later stages.
If the colonoscopy result suggests that you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a series of advanced medical examinations are done to determine the stage and what treatments are appropriate for you.
Treatment for colorectal cancer in Gatineau is determined while taking a number of factors into consideration such as the type and stage of cancer, potential side effects, the patient’s past medical history, etc. Once you have the colonoscopy reports, consult your doctor right away.
