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What are the available treatment options for colon cancer, and how is the choice of treatment determined?

  The choice of treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. The main treatment options for colon cancer are Surgery: Surgery is the removal of the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue during an operation. It is often called surgical resection. This is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given before surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (called adjuvant therapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a standalone treatment for advanced cancer. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be given before surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (called adjuvant therapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a standalone treatment for advanced cancer. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses ...

How is colon cancer diagnosed and what are the typical screening methods?

  Colorectal cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including: Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard test for diagnosing colorectal cancer. It involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum and colon to look for polyps or cancer. Sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only looks at the rectum and the lower part of the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it uses a thinner, more flexible tube. Bard FIT: This is a stool test that looks for hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool can be a sign of polyps or cancer. Multi-targeted stool DNA test: This is a stool test that looks for DNA changes that are associated with polyps or cancer. The best screening method for you will depend on your individual risk factors for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years. The decision to be screene...