Diagnosed with colorectal cancer? Diagnostics and therapy increasingly improve chances of survival

02/10/2024 08:10

In Germany, around 61,000 people are diagnosed with a malignant bowel tumor every year. Thanks to optimized diagnostic and treatment options, a colorectal cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence. At the certified Helios Colorectal Center Berlin-Buch, patients are successfully treated by interdisciplinary specialists with a high level of expertise and excellent equipment.

Colorectal cancer, or more precisely cancer of the colon or rectum, is one of the three most common types of cancer in Germany. Prevention and treatment require precise diagnostics and a competent team of specialists from different disciplines. For this reason, an interdisciplinary colorectal center has been established at the Helios site in Berlin-Buch, which guarantees patients the best possible treatment by providing complete and optimal care from a single source.

Every year, more than 24,000 people across Germany die as a result of bowel cancer. This does not have to be the case, emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Frank Kolligs, Chief Physician of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology:

"Early detection works better for colorectal cancer than for any other type of cancer. The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery."

For this reason, everyone should take the opportunity for preventive screening. Men can have a screening colonoscopy from the age of 50 and women from the age of 55. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be detected as a precursor to bowel cancer and removed at the same time. This interrupts the further development of bowel cancer. In addition, this endoscopic examination can detect bowel cancer at a very early stage and is easily curable. Alternatively, those who do not wish to undergo a colonoscopy as a preventive measure can have a test for hidden blood in the stool. The importance of screening is also emphasized by the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month initiative, which has been raising awareness of this important issue for over 20 years.

Increasing survival rates for colorectal cancer

If a cancer diagnosis is nevertheless made, specialist departments discuss the individual treatment in so-called tumor conferences. Nowadays, this treatment is diverse and combines numerous therapeutic approaches.

Prof. Dr. med. Roger Wahba, Chief Physician of General, Visceral and Oncological Surgery at Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch:

"Even if bowel cancer has already been diagnosed, there are excellent chances of recovery in the early stages. The location of the tumor and the stage determine the surgical procedure and whether radiotherapy or chemotherapy is necessary before the operation. By using a surgical robot, we can now achieve an even higher degree of precision during surgery."

The majority of operations for bowel cancer are performed at Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch using minimally invasive, keyhole or robot-assisted techniques. With this gentle surgical method, patients benefit from a faster recovery, less pain and less discomfort from wounds and scars.

"In the advanced tumor stage, the chances of recovery are reduced, but even in the metastatic stage, we can often maintain the quality of life of those affected and extend their lifespan by using the latest treatment methods," explains Prof. Peter Reichardt, Head of Oncology and Palliative Medicine at Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch, adding:

"In the early stages, when the tumor is confined to the bowel, cure rates are very good even without chemotherapy. We now have numerous drugs available for the drug therapy of colorectal cancer that has already metastasized. In particular, new approaches to immunotherapy are very promising and are being investigated in our clinical trials."

Center for organ preservation in rectal cancer

The three cancer specialists at the Colorectal Cancer Center at Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch have made it their particular goal to enable patients with rectal cancer to preserve their bowels - i.e. to treat them without surgery - which is possible for certain patients under certain conditions. Early presentation after diagnosis of the disease and close monitoring during treatment are necessary for this.

Accelerated recovery after surgery

For all planned bowel operations, the Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch has been offering the concept of holistic preparation and rapid recovery, known as ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery), for several years. A special nurse from the Colorectal Cancer Center is available to patients as a patient guide before and after bowel surgery. With this treatment concept, physical recovery is faster and patients can leave the clinic more quickly, even after major surgery.

In addition, excellent pain management plays a major role at Helios after the operation. Individual options are offered here in collaboration with special pain therapists. Patients, who are often physically burdened by the need for major abdominal surgery, also often suffer from the uncertainty of dealing with the diagnosis. Psychological wellbeing is also a focus, which is why psycho-oncologists in the team listen to patients' worries and needs and support their recovery.

Another complementary aspect of colorectal cancer therapy is nutritional advice, which is an important part of the holistic concept, especially for patients with colorectal cancer. A balanced diet can positively support the course of therapy and prevent a new disease, which is why great importance is attached to implementing a suitable diet. Comprehensive and individual advice is given at the patient's bedside.

Do you need more information about Helios Hospitals or do you want to schedule your treatment?

Please contact our Helios International Office. We will gladly advise you!

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