What does stage II colon cancer with risk factors mean?

Colon cancer is divided into different stages. In stage II, the tumor has already grown into the intestinal wall, but has not affected any lymph nodes or distant metastases.

Some of these cases are considered to be “high-risk stage II” – for example, if the tumor has grown deep into the intestinal wall, if many blood vessels are affected, or if only a few lymph nodes have been removed. These risk factors increase the likelihood of a relapse.

In Switzerland, colon cancer is one of the more common types of cancer. However, it is increasingly being detected at an early stage thanks to screening with stool tests and colonoscopies (intestinal endoscopy). The treatment usually consists of surgery, and in high-risk cases, additional chemotherapy is often administered to reduce the risk of relapse. The chances of recovery are over 80%, especially if the tumor has been completely removed.

A healthy diet, exercise, and regular follow-up examinations are important components in reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring long-term quality of life