Fighting cancer is a task that takes a strong will, mind, and body, but can be accomplished. Furthermore, the fight becomes easier when cancer is detected in its early stages. When fighting colorectal cancer, the Nakota traditional dancer had one tool in mind: traditional medicine. Although not a widely accepted method of treating colorectal cancer among the general U.S. population, many Native Americans do in fact turn to their traditional methods of healing. (Click here for more on Traditional Medicine).
However, there are many Native Americans who do utilize the hospitals at IHS. Most hospitals like IHS use what is termed “conventional therapy” when treating colorectal cancer. Below is a list and description of each way of treating colorectal cancer. The mode and method of treatment is dependent on two things:
How far the cancer
has developed (See Stages).
One or more doctor’s
recommendations.
Colostomy Bags…
In the past, when patients were diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer, many were forced to wear a colostomy bag. A colostomy bag replaces the patients’ need for pooping because the bag is connected to the gut. Feces is emptied into the bag, and patients empty the bag when it becomes full. Because the colostomy bag is located on the lower stomach for easy access, many people who are forced to wear them become depressed and self-conscious. However, today, there are many instances where doctors are able to remove cancer and spare parts of the colon and rectum which will allow patients to lead a normal life without a colostomy bag.
Referring to the polyps that are visibly detectable through screening in colonoscopes, polypectomy is the simple removal of polyps within the colon. This procedure can be done during colonoscopy. Often with the use of a metallic noose that is capable of producing an electrical charge, a polyp can be harnessed and cut. Because 1 in 20 polyps can become cancerous, it is sometimes a good idea to have them removed.
This procedure involves removal of cancerous tissue plus small amounts of normal tissue surrounding the cancer. By removing the cancerous tissue, pathologists (people who identify normal or abnormal tissues) examine the cancerous tissue and are able to “stage” the cancer. By staging cancer, doctors are able to determine if other treatments are necessary and how likely a person is to win the fight.
When cancer is in stages II or III, lower anterior resection (LAR) is usually performed. LAR involves the removal of part of the rectum that is close to the colon.
Much like LAR, this procedure also cuts a portion of the rectum, but in this case, part of the lower rectum that is close to the anus. When the procedure is done, the patient will have to wear a colostomy bag. A colostomy bag is a sack that is attached to the colon. This bag is accessible in the front of the abdomen where the patient can empty out the contents every so often.
In this procedure part of the colon that contains cancerous tumors is cut away (Fig. 1). Sometimes doctors will cut a small part of surrounding normal tissue to ensure that all the cancer is removed. The remaining pieces are then reattached. Sometimes a colostomy bag is needed only during the time of recuperation.
Referring to the polyps that are visibly detectable through screening in colonoscopes, polypectomy is the simple removal of polyps within the colon. This technique can be done during screening processes. Because the procedure is fairly easy, there is usually no overnight stay at the hospital. Also, this technique is usually the only procedure required when there is a probability that the polyps have not spread throughout the colon.
Like local excision for the rectum, this procedure removes the cancerous tissue and small parts of surrounding normal tissue. There is usually no need for a colostomy bag in this procedure.