Colorectal Cancer Coalition

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Diagnosis & Treatment

You’ve just been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer or you’re facing tests to find out if you have the disease. You’re scared, probably terrified. You may feel helpless with no idea of where to begin.

Know that you have options, that there are good choices that you can make to help yourself:

• Learn all you can.
• Find the best medical care.
• Seek out emotional support.

Information is the key to defeating a sense of helplessness when you are faced with cancer. Knowing as much as you can about colorectal cancer and about your own cancer in particular will help you, not only in the beginning but in the weeks and months to come. When you understand the changes in cells lining the colon that lead to cancer and how surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can destroy those malignant cells, you are better able to make good treatment choices.

The more you know, the less helpless you will feel. The less helpless you feel, the more hopeful you will be.

However, information alone cannot serve as a substitute for the discussions you will have with your treatment team, especially with your oncologist. Information will help you have a better understanding of your disease, and will increase your understanding of treatment recommendations.

Take one step at a time and you won’t be overwhelmed.

Last Update: June 11, 2009

Medical Review
Reviewed By: Heniz-Josef Lenz, MD
Review Date: June 11, 2009