Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options in Orange County: Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer

Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. Although there are many advanced cancer treatment options in Orange County and throughout the state, cancer is the second leading causes of death in California. Many patients experience the following in association with the disease:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Bloating
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Chronic anemia
• Fatigue

Screening Methods For Colorectal Cancer

Most cases of colorectal cancer are found through routine screenings. We may use any of the following tests to determine if colorectal cancer is present:

• DRE: A routine physical with a digital rectum exam
• Stool tests
• Sigmoidoscopy: A thin, lighted tube checks the sigmoid colon for polyps or abnormal growths
• Double-contrast barium enema: X-rays map the inside of the bowel
• Colonoscopy: A long, lighted tube to examines the entirety of the colon for polyps or other abnormal areas

OC CyberKnife Treatment Options For Colorectal Cancer

If the cancer hasn’t metastasized (spread), colorectal cancer surgery may be enough to treat the cancer on its own by removing the cancerous tumors. If the cancer has spread, treatment will require other methods, such as the following:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy consists of injections of specialized drugs that attack fast-growing cells in the body, helping to kill the cancer cells.

• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment that uses controlled, precisely-measured doses of radiation (light energy) on a tumor to control the growth and ease certain symptoms. 

Side Effects and Care During Treatment

Side effects are generally controllable and subside after treatment. Most of our Orange County patients experience few or no side effects from their cancer treatment, but radiation therapy for colorectal cancer may come with any of the following side effects:

• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Frequent urination
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Rectal pressure or discomfort
• Skin irritation
• A burning sensation while urinating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

While CyberKnife is one of the most powerful cancer treatments in Orange County and the world, cancer treatment of any kind can be mentally and physically draining. It’s important to take care of yourself during treatment by doing the following:

• Getting enough rest
• Following your doctor’s instructions
• Eating a healthy & well-balanced diet
• Take special care of skin exposed to radiation
• Seeking emotional support from family and friends
• Attending cancer support groups

Contact Your Orange County Cancer Treatment Center

At Orange County CyberKnife, our mission is to help each one of our patients overcome cancer and reclaim a healthy, vibrant life in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and all over Orange County. Call us at 714-962-7100 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you eliminate your cancer and achieve total health and wellbeing so that you can resume enjoying your life as you would.