How long does it take for colorectal cancer to recur

Colorectal cancer may recur, and how long it will recur varies from person to person. With the development of colorectal cancer treatment technology, the treatment effect of early colorectal cancer is very good. The 5-year survival rate of stage I colorectal cancer is over 90%, stage II is about 80%, and stage III is about 60%. The earlier the colorectal cancer is discovered, the lower the recurrence rate will be.

Of course, there is no absolute way to prevent the recurrence or metastasis of colorectal cancer after surgery. Standardized adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery can reduce the recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer or prolong the time of recurrence and metastasis, but there is still the possibility of recurrence and metastasis, so regular follow-up is very important. Generally speaking, the recurrence rate of colorectal cancer is highest in the first two years, so patients need to be reviewed every 3 to 6 months, and this frequency must be maintained for at least two years. After two years, it can be changed to once every six months, and then maintained for another three years. In this way, if there is no recurrence for a total of five years, we can consider that the colorectal cancer has been cured.