Welcome. Is your colon cancer diagnosis overwhelming? XpertPatient offers easy-to-understand resources not available on any other site. XpertPatient's unique, personalized experience shows you what you have, explains what to expect, and lets you compare the latest colon cancer treatment options by colon cancer type and stage (e.g., colon cancer stage 2 treatment options).
Colon Cancer ICD 10 Code is C18.9.
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What Is Colon Cancer ?
Colon Cancer develops when cells grow unexpectedly in the large intestine (colon). Getting a colon cancer diagnosis at an early stage can lead to more effective colon cancer therapy. Common colon cancer diagnosis tests:
- Colonoscopy – A colonoscopy diagnosis uses a large and flexible tube with a tiny camera to examine the inner area of the colon and rectum. This helps in detecting polyps, or abnormal growths.
- Colon Biopsy—If abnormal cells are detected during a colonoscopy, a biopsy will be used to remove small tissue samples to be analyzed.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy) – A CT Colonography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses CT scans to create detailed images of the colon. This process helps identify polyps and other abnormal cells.
- Stool Tests – A stool test for colon cancer, like a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and Cologuard, examines stool samples for blood or DNA mutations to evaluate whether they show signs of cancer.
- Genetic testing for colon cancer checks family history with colon cancer. It detects inherited gene mutations that can form cancer cells in the body.
- Shield tests for colon cancer is a blood test that screens for a risk of cancer.
Colon Cancer Prognosis SHOULD BE H2 and DECREASE GAP
A colon cancer prognosis is determined by diagnosis, health, and response to treatment. Cancer detection at an early stage, appropriate diagnosis and not delaying treatment can increase the survival rate, so work closely with your treatment team to get started right away.
Colon Cancer Treatment Options
FDA-approved colon cancer treatments vary by stage and location of the tumor. Available colon cancer treatment options are:
- Colon cancer surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes the cancer from your body. It works best for solid tumors that are contained in one area of your body.
- Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer is a common type of medication used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy for Colon Cancer is a type of treatment that activates your immune system (also called the defense system), helping your body to detect and destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy utilizes powerful energy beams, such as X-rays and other sources, to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can thin out a large tumor prior to an operation, making it easier to remove.
- Targeted Therapies identify and attack cancer cells, destroying them and slowing down tumor growth while healthy cells are left alone. Please ask your Dr. if your biomarker tests show that a Targeted Therapy is right for you.
How I Knew I Had Colon Cancer
The NIH MedlinePlus.gov Magazine recently highlighted the typical symptoms of Colon Cancer to watch out for. The symptoms include Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. It's important to note however, that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions.
Colon Cancer Survival Rate By Stage 
65%
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A Cancer Diagnosis Is A Rollercoaster
Coping with Cancer
My Treatment Team
My Treatment Team
- MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST: A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.
- SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST: Doctor who uses surgery to remove tumors.
- RADIATION ONCOLOGIST: Doctor who prescribes radiation therapy (beams of high-energy radiation, or radioactive seed implants) to shrink or eliminate tumors
- NURSE: Seen more then anyone, your nurses will provide medical care, answer questions, offer hope and suggest ways to talk with family and friends about your feelings.
- PATHOLOGIST: Doctor who has special training in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
- ONCOLOGY NURSE: Specializes in treating and caring for people who have cancer.
- PATIENT NAVIGATOR: Patient or health educators help you and your family learn more about your cancer by finding information that fits your needs
We Know You’re Tired but Keep Exercising!
Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients
Kathryn Schmitz,
Ph.D., M.P.H.,
Penn State College
of Medicine
10 Must-Know Terms
10 Must-Know Terms
- BIOPSY: Removal & examination of cells or tissue to determine if you have cancer or the amount of cancer in your body.
- BIOMARKER TESTING: A way to look for genes, proteins, and/or substances that can provide information about your specific cancer. This testing will help you & your dr. choose the best cancer treatment for you.
- LOCALIZED CANCER: Your cancer is still only found “locally” or within the organ where the cancer began.
- METASTATIC CANCER: Your cancer has spread from the place where it started to other places in your body.
- RADIATION THERAPY: A treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- CHEMOTHERAPY: A treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
- IMMUNOTHERAPY: A treatment that uses your own immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection, and other diseases.
- TARGETED THERAPY: A treatment that identifies and attacks specific types of cancer cells with less harm to normal cells then other treatments typically resulting in less side effects.
- INTRAVENOUS (IV): Most common type of infusion; used to put fluids, including cancer drugs directly into your bloodstream.
- SIDE EFFECTS: Secondary, typically undesirable, effects of a drug treatment affecting healthy tissues or organs
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XpertPatient’s team is committed to helping those new to cancer understand their cancer diagnosis, the differences between their latest cancer treatment options as well as what questions to ask. All of our content has been curated and refined for easier understanding, collaboration and sharing.
The original source for all diagnosis-related content is Cancer.gov. The original source for all treatment-related content is the NCCN Guidelines. Preferred Category 1 and 2A treatment options can be compared.
An award-winning customer experience expert, 2x cancer caregiver and health innovator, Risa launched XpertPatient.com to better education & empower patients & caregivers early on in their cancer journey, something proven to drive better outcomes.
Everyone asks “how is XpertPatient different?” While all of the latest research shows that better-educated & involved patients experience less anxiety, less treatment side-effects; and ultimately achieve better outcomes*, more than 1/2 of them won’t feel confident having treatment option conversations with their doctors. At XpertPatient we are on a mission to change that. To build an army of active health consumers.
A dynamic visionary focused on innovative and high-impact responses to significant societal issues, Carolyn plays a critical role in identifying critical cancer education needs, trusted third party resources and gaps in patient and caregiver care needs many serving as the foundation for the unique services delivered by XpertPatient.com.
“XpertPatient provides a critical resource by delivering unbiased treatment information and discussion guides patients can use to have more substantive conversations with their care providers. Surfacing information needed to make informed decisions is a critical step to achieving the best possible outcomes.”
As a seasoned cancer patient navigator, Shari is a critical member of XpertPatient’s Customer Experience Team working to ensure the content and services we deliver reflect the most urgent needs of families on a cancer journey, both big and small and wherever possible offer personalized guidance that support patients receiving the best possible care.
“XpertPatient is a comprehensive website that provides easy to read materials on a variety of cancer diagnosis including treatment options, financial resources, and side effect management. The “Compare My Treatment Options Now” tool is a wonderful resource for patients to better understand their options and have more informed, educated discussions with their physicians.”
A seasoned medical oncologist with experience working in both community practice and hospital settings spanning 2 different countries, Dr. Leonora leads our medical content team to deliver complex cancer-related content into easy to understand terms that resonate with our broad range of site visitors.
As a core member of our Customer Experience team, Leonora ensures we are always delivering an experience that is up to date as new cancer treatments are approved, medically accurate & 100% patient-centric.
If an annoying cyst on my hand hadn’t interfered with my normal daily routine, I might not have discovered that I had late-stage lung cancer. What was even more frightening was when my oncologist told me that the 5-year survival rate was at most 15%.
Well, it’s only now, after more than 8 years since my diagnosis, that I’m able to relax a bit and just live my life including to help launch XpertPatient.com. Creating a truly patient-centric experience has been one of the most incredible things I’ve done since my diagnosis. Knowing that my insights and experience are helping other cancer survivors through their journey is definitely rewarding.
A skilled Hematology/Oncology Nurse Practitioner at a leading US Cancer Center, Stefania serves as XpertPatient’s medical lead for all blood cancer related cancer center content (e.g, Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma). Collaborating with the Experience Team, Stefania leads diagnosis and treatment content development, resource identification and video selection for new patients and caregivers.
“XpertPatient is a comprehensive website that provides easy to understand information about diagnosis and treatment. As a provider, what I most like about it is that it empowers patients to take ownership of their care by becoming well-informed and being an active member of their care team.”
Dr. Feiler brings the XpertPatient Experience Team expertise and insights having been both a seasoned medical professional that successfully managed the needs of a highly diverse patient and caregiver population and a cancer caregiver.
Her in-practice and personal experiences have helped to break down complex medical terms into simple, easy to understand content, central to the success of the XpertPatient.com experience.
As an on-going advisor, Dr. Feiler guides content direction and ensures accuracy of language.
As XpertPatient’s CRO, my goal is to identify sponsors looking for a game-changing partner to drive business growth while positively impacting those on a cancer journey. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about building digital health media platforms that elevate health literacy and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.
With experience leading companies including Healthline & Health Media Network, I have transformed emerging organizations into market leaders, providing people on their health journeys with access to trusted information.
Today, there is no greater urgency than assisting families in navigating cancer. I am thrilled to be part of the XpertPatient leadership team and committed to our mission of making a meaningful impact every day.
As the Strategic Partnership & Content Strategy Lead for XpertPatient, I am responsible for delivering a game changing experience trusted by new patients & caregivers, 100% endorsed by advocacy and a strategic partner to oncology brands working to reach & engage hard to reach audiences.
Before joining XpertPatient, I was the interim CMO at ArmourUp for Life, a not-for-profit foundation that helps cancer patients in underserved communities, improve patient outcomes throughout their health and wellness journey. Using storytelling to amplify Loriana’s powerful voice for advocacy we launched “STAGE FREE,” a podcast for cancer survivors and caregivers.
From my perspective, XpertPatient represents an untapped opportunity for the industry and the community it serves. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this exciting brand.
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