Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: External Radiation Therapy

If radiation treatment is not working, there are likely other treatments to consider. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.

If your situation is unusual, consider getting a second opinion from a doctor associated with a NCI Certified Comprehensive Cancer Institute. (You can locate such an institution by clicking here . If needed, free transportation may be available). A second and even a third opinion will likely be covered by your health insurance. If you do not have insurance, second opinions do not have to be expensive.

You can also research other treatments yourself or ask a family member or friend to do it for you. You can also hire a professional medical research service.  The documents in "To Learn More" provide tips about doing medical research, and locating a professional service. If you do your own research:

• Watch for quack treatments. To learn how to spot a phony treatment, click here.
• Discuss what you find with your doctor. 
• If you feel as if you need one, get a second opinion from a qualified, experienced specialist who is not connected with your doctor.

If you are in pain, a consultation with a doctor who specializes in treating pain (a palliative-care specialist) can help. Such professionals are trained to consider the patient’s entire medical and personal situation and to focus on symptom management and pain relief along with curative treatments. For more information about dealing with pain, click here.

If the prognosis is particularly worrisome or the cancer does not respond to aggressive measures, consider modifying treatment to preserve your quality of life.

If it looks as if you have a shortened life expectancy of six months or less, consider hospice care. Hospice care can be given at home – and can be free if necessary. For information, click here.

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