Colon Cancer Information

Treatments

Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, which makes screenings and early detection all the more important. The Goshen Center for Cancer Care is committed to offering the broadest, most effective and technologically advanced Colon Cancer treatments to our patients and our community.

Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy is one of the three traditional primary forms of medical treatment used to treat cancer and palliation of symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy almost anywhere within the body. New techniques have evolved, enabling delivery of higher radiation doses to cancer cells while limiting doses to normal tissue. Today’s radiation therapy techniques available at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care offer higher cure rates and reduced side effects.

TomoTherapy

TomoTherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that accurately pinpoints cancerous masses and delivers optimal doses of photon radiation directly to the source of the disease. Combining Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) with the accuracy of CT scanning technology, TomoTherapy is one of the most exciting and sought after treatments in recent years.

Using 3-D imaging, physicians precisely map the location and dimensions of the tumor. First, TomoTherapy performs an instant CT scan to ensure the patient is perfectly aligned. Once the mass has been located, 360-degree rotating beams of photon radiation modulate from the gantry ring, delivering varying doses of treatment to the source of the cancer. TomoTherapy can treat multiple cancerous masses simultaneously, and with such accuracy, that nearby organs and healthy tissues remain undamaged.

Surgical Treatment

Segmental Resection Surgery

During segmented resection surgery, the cancer and a length of normal tissue on either side of the cancer, as well as the nearby lymph nodes, are removed. Usually, about one-third of the colon is removed, but more or less tissue may be removed depending on the exact size and location of the cancer. The remaining sections of the colon are then reattached. A colon resection rarely causes any major problems with digestive functions and patients should be able to eat in a few days. If the tumor is large and has blocked the colon, or it has punched a hole in the colon so wastes have leaked out, a temporary colostomy may be needed. In a colostomy, the end of the colon is attached to an opening in the abdomen for getting rid of body wastes. Rarely, if the tumor can’t be removed, the patient may need a permanent colostomy.

Medical Oncology Treatment

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment in which drugs are given intravenously, by injection or by mouth. These drugs are given to destroy cancer cells by impeding their growth and reproduction. Chemotherapy is often used alone or in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy can have unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, mouth sores and, rarely, hair loss. New, and usually effective, approaches to prevent or moderate these side effects are utilized on every patient treated with chemotherapy at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care.

In addition to offering many standard chemotherapy protocols, we continually revise our chemotherapy practices to reflect new and better treatments. We also have numerous clinical study protocols available as treatment options.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) consists of a wide variety of therapies, including, but not limited to, dietary changes and nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, spiritual care, counseling and other systems of emotional and social support, various physical therapies, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and massage therapy. At the Goshen Center for Cancer Care, we use a variety of complementary therapies to stimulate the individual’s natural healing properties, including mind, body and spiritual approaches.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, within the National Institutes of Health, created by the U.S. Congress, is dedicated to exploring CAM practices in the world of modern medicine, guiding the safe and effective use of CAM healthcare services. At the Goshen Center for Cancer Care, CAM therapies are an integral part of the treatment program, providing a balance of conventional and complementary care.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine combines the latest research in modern medicine with centuries-old therapies. Principles of naturopathic medicine treat the whole person, including all physical, mental and emotional factors. The goal of both conventional and natural medicines is to treat and cure cancer. The primary strategy in natural medicine is to strengthen the body’s own natural cancer-fighting abilities.

This is accomplished in numerous ways:

1. Support the immune system in its ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
2. Inhibit the spread of cancer cells by encouraging the immune system to create its own cancer-fighting cells.
3. Inhibit the development of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors.
4. Encourage normal cell growth.
In addition to supporting the anti-tumor effects of conventional care and strengthening the immune system, naturopathic medicine also works to reduce the side effects that may be associated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Naturopathy utilizes a variety of modalities to achieve these goals, including the therapeutic use of nutrients, as well as botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, massage and homeopathy. Research has revealed numerous supplements that help to reduce risk of colon cancer and its recurrence. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation have also been shown to reduce polyp formation and enhance the development of normal cells. Antioxidants and numerous herbal therapies are helpful in stimulating the ability of the immune system to actively fight cancer as well. Recommendations that support specific types of conventional care (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) are an integral part of the program.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an important tool in preventing and treating cancer. A registered dietician who specializes in cancer care provides patients with information and recommendations regarding dietary choices, enhancing their treatment program through nutrition. We encourage our patients to use nutrition to build and support their immune system, the body’s first line of defense against disease.

Here are some introductory nutrition guidelines to get you started on your way to better colon health. Additional recommendations specific to your unique needs and risk factors will be provided to you by an oncology specialized registered dietician.

Suggestions:

1. Eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. The fiber will help with bowel regularity, while the phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant chemicals) will serve to protect and promote healthy digestive tissue.

2. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily.