Surgery is one of best tools in the fight against colon cancer, but that doesn’t mean that everyone should undergo surgery. If you are referred to a surgeon for your colon cancer, expect a conversation about the unique balance of risks and benefits that surgery would mean for you. It can be overwhelming to talk through the process, but don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon any questions you might have–remember, they do this everyday. One of the most important things to ask about at the beginning is what the recovery will be like, because this is different for everyone.
Generally, surgery is recommended for anyone with stage one, two or three colon cancer–though stage two and three may require both surgery and chemotherapy. Even if surgery is successful at removing your cancer, there are always risks to surgery. If you hear the term “complications,” that can mean anything from an infection that is treated with antibiotics to a problem with the surgery itself that requires another operation.
It’s important to know that the risk of complications is higher for elderly people and those who have a lot of other medical problems (like heart and lung issues). In these situations, your surgeon can help you decide whether surgery is the right decision for you and what other options there might be to maintain your quality of life.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Heather Yeo is a medical advisor to SurvivorNet. She is board-certified in general surgery, colon and rectal surgery, and complex general surgical oncology. She is an assistant professor of Surgery and Healthcare Policy and Research at Weill Cornell Medical College and assistant attending surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Read More
Surgery is one of best tools in the fight against colon cancer, but that doesn’t mean that everyone should undergo surgery. If you are referred to a surgeon for your colon cancer, expect a conversation about the unique balance of risks and benefits that surgery would mean for you. It can be overwhelming to talk through the process, but don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon any questions you might have–remember, they do this everyday. One of the most important things to ask about at the beginning is what the recovery will be like, because this is different for everyone.
Generally, surgery is recommended for anyone with stage one, two or three colon cancer–though stage two and three may require both surgery and chemotherapy. Even if surgery is successful at removing your cancer, there are always risks to surgery. If you hear the term “complications,” that can mean anything from an infection that is treated with antibiotics to a problem with the surgery itself that requires another operation.
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It’s important to know that the risk of complications is higher for elderly people and those who have a lot of other medical problems (like heart and lung issues). In these situations, your surgeon can help you decide whether surgery is the right decision for you and what other options there might be to maintain your quality of life.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Heather Yeo is a medical advisor to SurvivorNet. She is board-certified in general surgery, colon and rectal surgery, and complex general surgical oncology. She is an assistant professor of Surgery and Healthcare Policy and Research at Weill Cornell Medical College and assistant attending surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Read More
