Surveillance

Postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer is critical due to the risk of a recurrence of the disease. Most recurrences become evident within the first three years after surgery. Initially, patients should be seen at three-to-six-month intervals for three years. Subsequently, they should be seen every six to 12 months for five years.

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A repeat colonoscopy should be performed after one year and every one to three years after that to detect possible new polyps or cancer. Doctors may also perform a blood test that may signal that the cancer has returned. This tumor marker test is called serum CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and is performed every three to six months for five years after surgery.