Colon Cancer Stage 4

You’ve just been diagnosed with colon cancer stage 4.

It can be a scary experience, not knowing what will happen next.

Fear of the unknown and what’s to come can be an unpleasant experience.

However stage 4 colon cancer does not have to be your death sentence.

There are treatments available to increase your survival rate and maintain your quality of life.

5 Stages of Colon Cancer

There are 5 colon cancer stages listed from 0 to 4. 0 being the most benign form of colon cancer and 4 the most advanced.

In general, the higher your stage of colon cancer the harder it is to treat, with decreasing survival rates as the number increases. Colon Cancer Stage 4

Colon Cancer Stage 4

The most advanced colon cancer previously known as Duke’s D colon cancer. Stage 4 colon cancer is separated from the other stages by how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. Typically the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, and/or liver.

In order for the cancer to spread beyond the colon it has to pass through 5 different layers of membrane.

1. Mucosa
2. Submucosa
3/4. Two smooth muscle layers
5. Serosa

If the colon cancer has spread beyond the 5 layers and has hit a blood vessel or lymph node then it has easy access to the rest of the body.

Stage 4 Colon Cancer Treatment

Typically a surgical procedure called a resection will take place where the cancerous tumor is removed from the colon and the left over parts of the colon are rejoined.

Your doctor may decide upon chemotherapy or radiation treatment depending on whether the colon cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body (liver, lungs, prostate, testicles, stomach, etc…)

Each situation varies depending on the proximity and attachment of the cancer to the colon and other organs.

Colon Cancer Stage 4 Survival Rate

Your survival rate can depend on many factors including; how far and aggressive your cancer has spread, what country you live in, and preceding screening assessments that may catch it early.

Following a proper diet and exercise program may also help prolong the survival rate of colon cancer but statistical information is incomplete and lacking.

Survival rates of those living with stage 4 colon cancer are approximately 8-15%, 5 years after the initial diagnosis.

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