Introduction

Doctors often recommend surgery to people who have been diagnosed with colon cancer 

as it usually offers the best chance for treatment, says a colon cancer specialist in Kolkata. 

The earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome. Usually, patients

 have to stay in the hospital for four to five days and should expect the following post-surgery:

 

colon cancer doctor in kolkata

 


Watching for recurrence

Follow-up care aims to check for a recurrence of cancer. It can come back because 

small areas of cancer cells may stay undetected in the body and with time, these

cells can grow in number until they show up on test results or symptoms. During 

follow-up care, the doctor gives information about the risk of recurrence and 

blood tests, or imaging tests may get done as part of regular follow-up care. 

Still, it depends on factors like the stage and type of cancer and

the types of treatment given.

Recommended follow-up care

The tests doctor recommends will be based on the risk of recurrence and patient’s 

overall health.Generally, patients visit their doctor and receive follow-up 

screening every three to six months for five years after diagnosis. 

It is necessary to remember that different people have different risks of 

recurrence; therefore, it is essential to consult the doctor about the chances 

of cancer coming back.

Managing long-term and late side effects

Survivors can encounter some side effects beyond the colon cancer treatment period, 

which are called long-term side effects. Some side effects called late effects can 

develop months or even years after the surgery. Both effects can cause emotional

and physical changes. One should consult their doctor about the risk of developing 

such side effects based on their treatment plan, the type of cancer and their 

overall health. If one had a surgery known to cause specific late effects, doctors  

might recommend certain blood tests, physical examinations or scans to help find 

and manage them.


Keeping personal health records

The patient and the doctor should work together to create a personalized follow-up care plan. 

Some patients continue to see their oncologist, while others transition back to the care of their 

primary care doctor. It can depend on several factors, including side effects, the type and 

stage of cancer, health insurance rules, and personal preferences, 

says a colon cancer doctor in Kolkata.