Colorectal cancer survivorship patient overview

Overview

Colorectal cancer is a disease that starts in the colon or rectum. Survivorship means the phase after treatment. It focuses on your health, well-being, and following a care plan with your healthcare team.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, thanks to better tests and treatments, more people than ever are surviving it.

It most often affects older adults, but it can happen at any age. Survivorship care is for anyone who has been treated, regardless of age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blood in your stool (poop) or dark, tarry stools
• Changes in bowel habits that last more than a few days (diarrhea or constipation)
• Feeling like you need to poop even after a bowel movement
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tiredness that does not go away
• New belly pain or bloating

Causes

Main causes

• Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths, called polyps, that can grow out of control.
• Abnormal changes in the DNA of cells can make them multiply too quickly, forming a tumor.

Risk factors

• Age (most cases are in people over 50)
• A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
• A diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Being overweight or living with obesity
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice any of the emergency symptoms above, call your local emergency number right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you have any of the common symptoms, like blood in your stool or a change in bowel habits, for more than a few days.
• Also see your doctor for routine colorectal cancer screening, usually starting around age 45 to 50, or earlier if you have risk factors.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose colorectal cancer by looking at your colon and rectum with a test called a colonoscopy and taking a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) to check for cancer cells.

Tests that may be done

• Colonoscopy (a long, flexible tube with a camera)
• Biopsy (removing a small tissue sample for testing)
• Imaging tests (like a CT scan) to see if cancer has spread
• Blood tests to look for signs of anemia or tumor markers

What to expect at your appointment

If you are diagnosed, your healthcare team will explain your stage (how far the cancer has grown or spread) and plan a treatment approach. You will have a care plan that includes follow-up visits and support.

Treatment

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage and your overall health. You may have one treatment or several. Your team will talk with you about the best options for your situation.

Self-care at home

• Follow your survivorship care plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
• Talk to your care team about any new symptoms or side effects.
• Stay as active as you can and eat a balanced diet.
• Ask for help when you need it, whether for physical or emotional concerns.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments for colorectal cancer may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy (medicines that kill cancer cells), radiation therapy (high-energy beams), and targeted therapies that attack specific parts of cancer cells. Your doctor will explain which approaches might be right for you. Always ask about the benefits and risks of any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often the first treatment for colorectal cancer that has not spread far. The goal is to remove the tumor and some healthy tissue around it. In some cases, the surgeon may rejoin the healthy ends of the colon or rectum. Sometimes a temporary or permanent colostomy (an opening for stool to leave the body) is needed, and your care team will help you adjust.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you will have regular follow-up visits with your doctor. You may need blood tests, colonoscopies, or imaging scans. Keep a journal of how you feel and bring your questions to each appointment.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular physical activity, like walking or swimming, as you are able.
• Limit alcohol and do not smoke.
• Get enough rest and manage stress.

Diet and exercise

There is no perfect diet for everyone. A dietitian who works with cancer patients can help you find a plan that fits your needs. In general, a fiber-rich diet, with plenty of fluids, is helpful. But if you have an ostomy or are receiving treatment, you may need special guidance. Getting light exercise, such as walking, can improve your energy and mood.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel anxious, sad, or afraid after cancer treatment. You may worry about the cancer returning or feel overwhelmed by changes in your body. If you feel persistent sadness or anxiety, talk to your doctor. They can connect you with a counselor, support group, or crisis resources.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer, but you can lower your risk. Eating well, being active, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can help. The most important prevention step is regular screening, because it can find polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents colorectal cancer, but vaccines for other diseases, such as hepatitis B and HPV, may help reduce your overall cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about which vaccinations are right for you.

Screening programmes

Screening means checking for cancer in people who have no symptoms. Regular screening for colorectal cancer is important. Most expert guidelines recommend starting at age 45 or 50, depending on your risk. Your doctor will tell you how often you need it.

Complications

If left untreated

• The tumor may grow larger and invade other tissues.
• Cancer may spread to the liver, lungs, or other organs.
• It can cause a blockage in the bowel, leading to severe pain and vomiting.
• Bleeding can cause anemia (low red blood cells) and extreme tiredness.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for colorectal cancer has improved greatly. When found early, many people are cured. If the cancer returns, there are still treatments that can control it and help you live well. Survivorship is a journey, and with good follow-up and support, many people thrive for years.

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