If you have been recently diagnosed with colon cancer, you may be asking yourself, now what?

First, understand that you are not alone. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but, if detected early, it also is one of the most treatable. Many scientific advances have been made in recent years, and now, more than ever, doctors are armed with the tools necessary to help you effectively combat this disease.

At this stage in the process, you are probably doing a lot of research and trying to learn more about your diagnosis. Understanding what colon cancer is, and knowing your treatment options, will help you take an active role in making decisions about your care.

Colon cancer does not always cause symptoms, especially at first. But sometimes there are symptoms, such as:

• Blood in or on the stool

• Unexplained and frequent pain, aches, or cramps in the stomach

• A change in bowel habits, such as having stools that are narrower than usual

• Unexplained weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. These symptoms also may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.⁷

Find out more about treatment options .

Fill out a brief self-assessment tool that could help you and your physician see whether or not your symptoms are those of colon cancer.

Explore the treatment options available, so you can discuss them more thoroughly with your physician.

Read the success stories of patients who chose Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery to treat their colon cancer.

Download, print out, and read a brochure on colon cancer to help you and those you love understand your diagnosis and options for therapy.