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Why should there be a postoperative follow-up
program?
How long will my follow-up programs last?
What might I expect at my follow up visit?
What about my family?
Why should there be a postoperative
follow-up program?
Surgery is the most effective treatment for colorectal cancer.
Even when all visible cancer has been removed, it is possible
for
cancer cells to be present in other areas of the body. These cancer
deposits, when very small, are undetectable at the time of surgery,
but may grow at a later time. The chance of recurrence depends
on the characteristics of the original cancer, and the effectiveness
of any chemotherapy or other follow up treatment. Patients with
recurrent cancers - if diagnosed early - may benefit, or be cured,
by further surgery or other treatment. Remember, colorectal cancer
has a 43% rate of recurrence. The sensitivity of TDT's blood monitor
test is a major step in improving
the detection
of
recurrent cancer.
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How long will my follow-up programs
last?
Most recurrent cancers are detected within the first three years
after surgery. Therefore, follow up is most frequent during this
period of time. After five years, nearly all cancers that are going
to recur will have done so. Follow up after five years is primarily
to detect new polyps, and can be less frequent but advisable for
life.
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What might I expect at my
follow up visit?
Your doctor will examine you approximately every three or four
months for the first two years, and discuss your progress. A CEA
blood test can be done, as a method of trying to detect recurrence
of cancer. Because this test is NOT totally reliable, other
follow up examinations may be advised. TDT's
PCR-based blood monitoring technology is a leap forward
in terms of sensitivity and specificity for detection of recurrence.
It has recently been introduced to the medical community and
your physician may not be aware of it. Please feel free to direct
your physician
to this web site.
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What about my family?
Close relatives of patients with colon and rectal cancer (parents,
brothers, sisters, children) are at increased risk for the disease.
Because of this, periodic examination of the lining of the colon,
using a colonoscope to detect small polyps, is advised. If polyps
are promptly detected and removed, cancers cannot develop. Other
factors, which increase the risk of developing polyps or cancer
include the occurrence of cancer at an early age, and a personal
history of breast or female genital cancer.
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