How long can you live with rectal cancer

Cancer is a terrifying and deadly disease. In recent years, the probability of human cancer has increased year by year, especially intestinal cancer. The incidence of rectal tumors and colon tumors is higher than other tumors. There is no specific medicine for treatment. It is easier to cure in the early stage. Most of them are difficult to treat in the middle and late stages, and even have no effect after treatment. So what causes rectal tumors? How long can people with rectal tumors live?

There are no symptoms in the early stages of rectal cancer. As the lesions continue to expand, possible symptoms include: bleeding during bowel movements, changes in bowel habits, thinner stools, unexplained abdominal pain or colic, persistent urge to defecate, iron deficiency anemia or weight loss. People with these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The high-incidence age for rectal cancer is over 50 years old, and people with inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal cancer, or familial polyposis are also at a high risk of developing rectal cancer. In addition, a high-fat and low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, and drinking too much are also important factors that lead to rectal cancer.

Generally, the survival rate after rectal cancer surgery is good, which mainly depends on the pathological classification and the invasion of surrounding tissues, whether the treatment method is appropriate, and the patient's own physical condition and even mentality. The overall 5-year survival rate of rectal cancer is about 65.2%, and the 5-year survival rate of each stage is as follows: Stage 0: 93.2%, Stage I: 91.4%, Stage II: 76.4%, Stage III: 58%, Stage IV: 14.6%. As long as you receive the right treatment and actively cooperate with the doctor, it is possible to prolong your life or be cured.

Cancer is a systemic disease. Surgery can only remove visible lesions, but there are still residual cancer or regional lymph nodes. Since surgery damages the vital energy, the chance of recurrence and metastasis is very high. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy drugs are very toxic and cannot kill all cancer cells. They can only kill cancer cells in proportion. Residual cancer cells develop quickly when the patient is weak and has low immunity, forming new lesions. In this case, conservative treatment with traditional Chinese medicine is recommended, and the patient can slowly adjust the condition with traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, the patient can eat more high-fiber foods in his daily diet, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and carrots, and do moderate exercise to increase his own resistance.