So, what can you do when colon cancer comes back? With stages one and two colon cancer, it is rare that cancer will recur after it’s removed with surgery. Recurrences are more common with later stages, and that’s the reason doctors will often recommend chemotherapy after surgery for stage three colon cancer (and high risk stage two).
If colon cancer is going to recur, it will most commonly happen within the first two years. The way doctors attempt to manage these cancers will depend on the location of the recurrence and how quickly it returned. If it comes back in multiple areas, this suggests a more aggressive disease and chemotherapy will likely be recommended.
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
So, what can you do when colon cancer comes back? With stages one and two colon cancer, it is rare that cancer will recur after it’s removed with surgery. Recurrences are more common with later stages, and that’s the reason doctors will often recommend chemotherapy after surgery for stage three colon cancer (and high risk stage two).
If colon cancer is going to recur, it will most commonly happen within the first two years. The way doctors attempt to manage these cancers will depend on the location of the recurrence and how quickly it returned. If it comes back in multiple areas, this suggests a more aggressive disease and chemotherapy will likely be recommended.
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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
