Once colon cancer reaches the level of stage 4, this is the point, statistically, when the rates of survival decrease rapidly. The average five-year survival rate at this stage tends to be around 20 to 30 percent. Whilst these figures make the outlook look bad, an end to all hope should not be dismissed with stage 4 colon cancer. The importance of screening and early detection at this time is paramount.
If stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, this means that the cancer has now manifested itself in other parts of the body. It is almost certain that the cancer has invaded the lymph node system and could possibly be found in the liver, lungs, bones and even the brain. Even at this stage, it is still possible for people to live past the projected five-year period. It all depends on the location of the spread of the stage 4 colon cancer. However, overall, the prognosis for stage 4 survival is not overly optimistic.
Even now, when stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, there are several medical procedures and treatments that can be used to lessen symptoms. In areas where tumors can be removed, surgery can be performed to remove these tumors. If surgery isn’t an option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to help. Whilst there may not be a ‘cure’ for stage 4 colon cancer, doctors strive to help those diagnosed to live their lives, if not a little longer, then at least a little more comfortably.
» Read more: Stage 4 Colon Cancer – Don’t Give Up Hope If You Reach This Stage Of Colon Cancer