Colon cancer post-operative survival care plan

  Post-treatment surveillance for colon cancer also includes a survivorship care plan, specifically addressing disease prevention measures such as regular immunizations against influenza and pneumonia, regular oral health care, regular screening for second primary tumors (e.g., breast, cervical, and prostate tumors), and frequent health checkups and screenings. Other recommendations include monitoring for colon cancer and the long-term sequelae of its treatment, such as chronic diarrhea or incontinence (e.g., in patients with stomas). Specific management for these or other complications is described in detail in a recent review. A survivorship health program for patients with colorectal cancer has recently been published. Additional health monitoring and immunizations should be implemented as needed under the guidance of a family health practitioner. All survivors of cancer treatment are encouraged to maintain a therapeutic relationship with their home health care physician throughout their lives.