(Cancer Care) Understanding Colorectal Cancer
(Cancer Care) Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Medical Supporter — Information Notice
This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
Medical Supporter was formerly certified as an international medical visa guarantor by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (B-066). Fukuoka Prefecture Travel Service Arrangement Business No. 35 Japan Registered Support Organization No. 19-000303 Japan Controlled Medical Device Sales and Rental Business
Medical Supporter was formerly certified as an international medical visa guarantor by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (B-066). Fukuoka Prefecture Travel Service Arrangement Business No. 35 Japan Registered Support Organization No. 19-000303 Japan Controlled Medical Device Sales and Rental Business
Japan Registered Support Organization No. 19-000303
1. What is Colorectal Cancer?
Abnormal proliferation of colon mucosal cells that invades surrounding tissues and may metastasize to other parts of the body, causing intestinal bleeding, obstruction, and damage to normal tissues.
2. Common Symptoms:
Changes in bowel habits, feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements, blood in stool, abdominal cramping, decreased appetite, anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, and jaundice. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean colorectal cancer — please consult a doctor.
3. High-Risk Groups for Colorectal Cancer:
Older age, family history, familial polyposis syndrome, history of polyps, diets high in animal fats, protein, processed foods, and low fiber intake.
4. Treatment of Colorectal Cancer:
The primary treatment is surgery. Post-surgery, adjuvant therapies may be combined, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, to reduce local recurrence, increase survival rates, and improve quality of life.
5. Home Self-Care Guidelines:
(1) After colorectal cancer surgery, eat small frequent meals with high-calorie, high-protein, low-residue foods. Avoid whole milk, cold foods, and gas-producing foods such as beans, nuts, sweet potatoes, glutinous rice, etc., to prevent bloating. If diarrhea occurs, ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte supplementation. (2) Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy should maintain good hygiene, drink plenty of water, keep oral hygiene, and avoid public places. If unavoidable, wear a mask to reduce infection risk. (3) Engage in appropriate exercise and maintain a positive attitude. (4) Get adequate sleep and rest. (5) Attend follow-up appointments on schedule. (6) If persistent high fever, bloody stools, or severe diarrhea occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Abnormal proliferation of colon mucosal cells that invades surrounding tissues and may metastasize to other parts of the body, causing intestinal bleeding, obstruction, and damage to normal tissues.
Changes in bowel habits, feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements, blood in stool, abdominal cramping, decreased appetite, anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, and jaundice. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean colorectal cancer — please consult a doctor.
Older age, family history, familial polyposis syndrome, history of polyps, diets high in animal fats, protein, processed foods, and low fiber intake.
The primary treatment is surgery. Post-surgery, adjuvant therapies may be combined, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, to reduce local recurrence, increase survival rates, and improve quality of life.
(1) After colorectal cancer surgery, eat small frequent meals with high-calorie, high-protein, low-residue foods. Avoid whole milk, cold foods, and gas-producing foods such as beans, nuts, sweet potatoes, glutinous rice, etc., to prevent bloating. If diarrhea occurs, ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte supplementation.
(2) Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy should maintain good hygiene, drink plenty of water, keep oral hygiene, and avoid public places. If unavoidable, wear a mask to reduce infection risk.
(6) If persistent high fever, bloody stools, or severe diarrhea occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Electric field therapies are being studied as a supportive option in cancer care. They are designed to act on tumor cells, which have different electrical properties from normal cells; their effectiveness and safety differ by therapy and are still being evaluated. Please discuss with your doctor whether such a therapy is appropriate for you.
The duration of any electric field therapy must be determined by a physician, who will evaluate whether to continue treatment after follow-up observations.
It is recommended to consume adequate albumin, vitamin C, flavonoids, and olive oil to support normal immune system function.
Note: different electric field technologies exist — for example, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), developed by Novocure, and ECCT, a separate device developed in Indonesia. Their approval status and evidence differ, so please confirm with your doctor.
(Electric field therapy) Whether and how it can be used should be decided with your doctor.
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