Colorectal Cancer, The Cancer Information Network

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What You Need to Know about Cancer of the Colon and Rectum

Questions for Your Doctor
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This booklet is designed to help you get information you need from your doctor, so that you can make informed decisions about your health care. In addition, asking your doctor the following questions will help you understand your condition better. To help you remember what the doctor says, you may take notes or ask whether you may use a tape recorder. Some people also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor--to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.

Diagnosis

What tests can diagnose colorectal cancer? Are they painful?
How soon after the tests will I learn the results?
Are my children or other relatives at higher risk for colorectal cancer?

Treatment

What is the stage of my cancer?
What treatments are recommended for me?
Should I see a surgeon? Medical oncologist? Radiation oncologist?
What clinical trials might be appropriate?
Will I need a colostomy? Will it be permanent?
What will happen if I don't have the suggested treatment?
Will I need to be in the hospital to receive my treatment? For how long?
How might my normal activities change during my treatment?
After treatment, how often do I need to be checked? What type of followup care should I have?

Side Effects

What side effects should I expect? How long will they last?
What side effects should I report? Whom should I call?

The Health Care Team

Who will be involved with my treatment and rehabilitation? What role will each member of the health care team play in my care?
What has been your experience in caring for patients with colorectal cancer?

Resources

Are there support groups in the area with people I can talk to?
Where can I get more information about colorectal cancer?

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Also Recommends

1. Know What to Ask Your Doctor - Learn about a treatment option that works in a different way than traditional therapies.

2. The Cancer Patient's Workbook: Everything You Need to Stay Organized and Informed!

3. 50 Essential Things To Do: When the Doctor Says It's Cancer.

4. Subscribe the monthly newsletter of The Cancer Informa-
tion Network.

5. Click for cancer Books recommended by our Oncologists. You may purchase these books with discount price directly through our links with Amazon .com.

At Face Value: My Struggle With A Disfiguring Cancer - A cancer survivor's story by Terry Healey. Terry was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma in 1984. He had extensive radiation treatment after "too many surgeries to count," and has been cancer free since 1986.

Cancer Support Group Mailing List - This is a mailing list for general cancer information, include lung cancer.

Financial Assistance for Cancer Care - provides an extensive listing of resources available that may offer financial assistance to help cover costs of cancer care.

	Top 10 Questions after Cancer Diagnosis - Virtual Hospital provides this informative lecture hitting all the major points about diagnosis and treatment.
	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.
	Web casts - Alphacancer provides discussions between leading health professionals on a particular topic. Currently available topics include breast cancer and colon cancer.