Follow-up of colorectal cancer patients after radical treatment

After completed treatment, either surgical or combined treatment of colorectal carcinoma, it is necessary to follow up patients regularly and in accordance with the recommended protocol. The purpose of such follow-up is to detect the disease or its recurrence as early as possible, including pre-cancerous lesions or potential metachronous (newly developed) tumours which can be treated successfully at an early stage. Follow-up is important also for the treatment of late complications, it enables psychological support to the patients, and finally, we can also track and assess our own performance. It is known that colorectal cancer recurs in 30 do 50% of patients. As many as 70% of recurrences are detected within the first two years, 80% in the first three years, and 90% or more disease recurrences are found within five years after surgery of the primary tumour. It has been shown that regular follow-up of patients after their treatment improves the outcome of their disease and reduces mortality in patients by 9% to 13%. We must adapt it to each patient separately, taking into account both his age and general condition, stage of the disease, concurrent diseases, and further treatment possibilities in the event of a recurrence