How to regularly follow up colorectal cancer patients after surgery?

  Regular follow-up is always recommended after colorectal cancer treatment.  (i) Medical history and physical examination, once every 3-6 months for 2 years, then once every 6 months for a total of 5 years, and once a year after 5 years.  (ii) Monitoring of CEA and CA19-9, once every 3-6 months for 2 years, then once every 6 months for a total of 5 years, and once a year after 5 years.  (iii) Abdominal/pelvic ultrasound, chest X-ray every 3-6 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for a total of 5 years, and annually after 5 years.  (iv) CT or MRI of the abdomen/pelvis once a year.  (v)Colonoscopy within 1 year after surgery, if abnormal, review within 1 year; if no polyps are seen, review within 3 years; then once every 5 years, and resection is recommended for any colorectal adenoma that appears on follow-up examination.  (f) PET-CT is not a routinely recommended screening program.