Colon Cancer/How long?

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Question
Hi, i was diagnosed with bowel cancer (dukes c1 sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma) last year at the age of 23. The surgeons removed the tumour and i ended up with a colostomy. I have undergone chemotherapy for 6months. Ive recently had a ct scan done and another colonoscopy which appear to be clear but how likely is it that ill get a recurrence at some stage? Before chemo they told me it would be a 50% chance of recurring and 35% chance of survival over 5years. What does this mean? There is no family history of this kind of cancer in my family. Thanks

Answer
At your age colon cancers are extremely rare so I'm sorry that this has happened to you! I have to agree with your doctors. At your young age cancers if they do happen usually are rather aggressive so your chance that it will come back is rather high, around 50% (one chance in two, like tossing a coin) and your chance of a survival over 5 years is unfortunately somewhat smaller around 35% or so. However if you do survive 5 years you are probably (but no guarantees unfortunately) cured.

Colon Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions in these categories: Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Breast Cancer.

Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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