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First Steps After Diagnosis of Cancer
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| Welcome
to The Cancer Information Network |
What You
Need to Know about
Cancer of the Colon and Rectum |
![[National Cancer Institute Logo]](ncilogo_nobar.gif) |
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The Importance of Follow-up Care
Follow-up care after treatment for
colorectal cancer is important. Regular checkups ensure that changes in
health are noticed. If the cancer returns or a new cancer develops, it
can be treated as soon as possible. Checkups may include a physical
exam, a fecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy, chest x-rays, and lab
tests. Between scheduled checkups, a person who has had colorectal
cancer should report any health problems to the doctor as soon as they
appear.
Providing Emotional Support
Living with a serious disease, such as
cancer, is challenging. Apart from having to cope with the physical and
medical challenges, people with cancer face many worries, feelings, and
concerns that can make life difficult. Some people find they need help
coping with the emotional as well as the practical aspects of their
disease. In fact, attention to the emotional burden of having cancer is
often a part of a patient's treatment plan. The support of the health
care team (doctors, nurses, social workers, and others), support groups,
and patient-to-patient networks can help people feel less alone and
upset, and improve the quality of their lives. Cancer support groups
provide a setting where cancer patients can talk about living with
cancer with others who may be having similar experiences. Patients may
want to speak to a member of their health care team about finding a
support group. Many also find useful information in NCI fact sheets and
booklets, including Taking
Time and Facing
Forward.
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Top
10 Questions after Cancer
Diagnosis - Virtual
Hospital provides this informative lecture hitting
all the major points about diagnosis and
treatment. |
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Ask
a Physician -
From
Mayo Health - Do
you have specific questions or concerns? Click
here to ask a specialist, or browse frequently
asked questions about cancer. |
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Web
casts - Alphacancer
provides discussions between leading health
professionals on a particular topic.
Currently available topics include breast cancer
and colon cancer. |
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