Prognosis and duration
Once treatment is complete the chances of recurrent disease depend on the aggressiveness and spread of the original tumour cells. The spread of tumours through the bowel wall is measured very carefully under the microscope and a Dukes' grading given. These measurements are used to make decisions on whether chemotherapy after surgery is necessary and predict the likelihood of the cancer coming back. 5 year survival is 50% over all but varies a lot according to Dukes' stage at diagnosis.
Stages A and B
People with Dukes' A and B stage tumours are likely to be cured of their disease.
Stages C and D
People with Dukes' C stage are more likely to have recurrence and people with Dukes' D stage have metastatic spread.
If care and mobility needs are identified these are likely to be on-going when related to:
- recurrent or metastatic disease
- other disabilities unrelated to bowel cancer
Improvement is likely if needs are related to treatment of primary disease. Debility related to treatment is not usually much more than 6 months. However the treatment of rectal cancer is prolonged and needs identified in the early part of treatment are likely to persist through until recovery.
Rectal cancer
Awards of one year to 18 months are recommended to coincide with recovery from treatment of rectal cancer.
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
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Amended February 2009
