Rectal and colon cancer
Overview
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women (9.2% of diagnoses) and the third most common in men (10.0%). In Cyprus, approximately 540 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year. Colorectal cancer usually affects older adults, with only a small number of cases caused by an underlying genetic disorder. Other risk factors include obesity and a poor diet, smoking, alcohol intake and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis
Colorectal cancer begins with the development of small polyps (overgrowth of tissue) in the colon or rectum. You may not experience any symptoms when these polyps develop. At later stages, you may experience symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation that don’t go away, a change in your normal bowel habits (e.g. shape, and frequency), discomfort or feel the urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need, abdominal pain or cramping pain in your lower stomach, feeling full or bloated, a change in your appetite, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool or toilet after having a bowel movement, excessive fatigue and unexplained weight loss. If you notice any persistent symptoms, consult our specialists to determine the best course of action.
Most cases of colorectal cancer are identified during a routine screening via endoscopic tests, such as a Colonoscopy or a Sigmoidoscopy. In some cases, after further discussing your symptoms and findings, your medical team may recommend further testing. This include imaging studies such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a dedicated rectal cancer MRI scan, a computed axial tomography, a computed tomography (CT) or a positron emission tomography (PET / CT) scan. Additionally, the medical team may recommend a Virtual colonoscopy or CT computed tomography colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or endosonography. The diagnosis is then confirmed after analyzing a sample of the tumor that is obtained during through a biopsy. The following histopathological examination may also contain molecular or genetic analyses (like mismatch repair and/or circulating tumor cells in the blood) which can aid your medical team in recommending the best treatment plan, and in establishing a more certain prognosis.
Treatment
Every step in the diagnostic procedure helps the GMI team tailor each treatment plan to each patient, taking into consideration your individual case and personal preferences. To determine the best course of action each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board where several experts from our team come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan.
For cases where the cancer remains localized, a dedicated team of gastroenterologists, oncologist, surgeons or radiation oncologists will eradicate the tumor using the most modern treatment options.
For cases where the cancer is at a more advanced stage, our Medical Oncology team will propose the best treatment plan for each patient, which will include the newest regimen of systemic therapies like chemotherapy and / or immunotherapy.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed physicians guides each colorectal cancer patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports colorectal cancer patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
