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The prognosis after treatment depends on whether the tumor could be removed completely or not. In any case, important prognostic factors are tumor grading and spread. Screening programs,  as well as modern surgical therapy, allow the steady improvement of early detection of colorectal cancer and the chances of cure are good. Nonetheless, a regular medical follow-up should be carried out in every case. We at CIO offer this in close consultation with your general practitioner.    
 
The goal of aftercare is to alleviate medical problems which may develop as part of the received medical treatment, and to recognise the emergence of new tumor growth (recurrence) and/or detect the development of metastases as early as possible and initiate treatment.

As with other malignancies, the development of metastases in colorectal cancer is highest in the first years after the initial treatment. For this reason, aftercare is initially offered in short intervals, later in larger intervals. Aftercare should usually take place over a period of ten (10) years, however, variations are possible because of individual circumstances and depending on tumor stage and spread.

Aftercare involves the physical examination and questioning by your doctor regarding any health problems or symptoms. Your doctor will arrange for an abdominal ultrasound as well as the determination of tumor markers. These are molecules that are produced by the tumor itself or stimulated by organs in response to the tumor. Tumor markers are routinely measured as part of an aftercare schedule. In the case of colorectal cancer, the progression of the CEA  tumor marker is determined. A colonoscopy should be performed every six (6) months after an operation and every three (3) years thereafter – even after stoma construction.     

We at CIO offer to arrange your aftercare in close consultation with your general practitioner.  In the following, we present our CIO stage-specific  aftercare recommendations.  

Stage I

In Stage I, the tumour is removed completely, the prognoses for all patients is particularly favourable and therefore, a programmed aftercare schedule is not necessarily required.

Stage II/III

Even  when a Stage II and III tumour is removed completely, regular aftercare is recommended.
This includes physical examinations, questions about any medical problems, a blood test and an ultrasound.  A colonoscopy is recommended 3 - 6 months post operatively  and thereafter at 3 yearly intervals . Additionally, a colonoscopy is performed every six months in the case of diagnosed colorectal cancer. In some cases, e.g. if you complain of any symptoms, further investigations will be discussed with you.
The following table represents a typical aftercare plan for stages II and II, including all routinely recommended investigations and tests.