Overview
Stage 0 Colon Cancer is when abnormal cells haven’t grown beyond the inner lining of your colon. It is also called carcinoma in situ, which means that the cancer is only on the most superficial layer of your colon.
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- Stage 0 Colon Cancer
Overview
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Stage 0 Colon Cancer diagnosis means that you have abnormal cells in your colon but they have only affected the top layer of your colon called the mucosa, shown here at the bottom of the image in pink.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
A test, called a Colonoscopy, is usually the first step to see if there is a tumor inside of your colon and if needed, to take tissue samples for analysis. This test inserts a thin tube with a camera into your anus to see the inside of your colon.
Tissue analysis is also typically done through a biopsy to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-colon
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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Symptoms
You might not experience colon cancer symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. If you do experience symptoms in stages 0 through 2, they’ll often include:
- constipation
- changes in stool color
- changes in stool shape, such as narrowed stool
- blood in the stool
- bleeding from the rectum
- excessive gas
- abdominal cramps
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Survival Rate
According to National Cancer Institute, early-stage colorectal cancer that hasn’t spread outside the primary site has a five-year survival rate of 89.8%.
Source: Healthline.com
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Since stage 0 colon cancers have not grown beyond the inner lining of the colon, surgery to take out the cancer is often the only treatment needed. In most cases, this can be done by removing the polyp or taking out the area with cancer through a colonoscope (local excision). Removing part of the colon (partial colectomy) may be needed if the cancer is too big to be removed by local excision.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Recurrence Rate
The overall prognosis for stage 0 colorectal cancer shows an excellent outcome of 90.9% for the 5-year survival rate, and 1.68 of the patients still experience recurrence.
Source: PubMed.gov
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Definition
Stage 0 colon cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, is the earliest stage of colon cancer. In this stage, cancer cells are found only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum and have not yet invaded deeper tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Stage 0 colon cancer is localized and has not progressed beyond the mucosa, which is the lining of the colon. Treatment at this stage is highly effective, often involving procedures like endoscopic resection to remove the cancerous cells.
Source: Cancer.net
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Prevention
Stage 0 colon cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, is a very early stage where cancer cells are confined to the inner lining of the colon. General prevention strategies to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, including Stage 0, are:
- Regular Screening: Begin screening at age 45, or earlier if at higher risk, using methods like colonoscopy to detect early changes before they develop into cancer.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity.
- Healthy Weight: Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Limit Alcohol: Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Avoid Tobacco: Do not smoke.
- Manage Risk Factors: Address conditions like inflammatory bowel disease if applicable.
Source: PubMed.gov
