Patient guides

Clear, reviewed answers to the questions colorectal cancer patients and families ask. Written by the association, with sources, and meant to be taken to your appointment.

All Diagnosis and testsMutations and biomarkersTreatmentsSide effectsClinical trialsLiving with the diseaseRights and paperwork

Diagnosis and tests

What does stage 3 colon cancer mean and what is the treatment?

Stage III means the tumour has reached nearby lymph nodes but there are no distant metastases. It is treated with curative intent: surgery followed b…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

What does a high CEA mean if I have colon cancer?

CEA is a protein measured in a blood test to follow colorectal cancer over time. A single high value does not by itself mean the cancer has returned …

Reviewed 01/11/2026

Mutations and biomarkers

What does the BRAF V600E mutation mean in colon cancer?

BRAF V600E is found in 8-10 % of colorectal cancers and is linked to more aggressive tumours. The good news is that since 2020 there is a specific ta…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

What does it mean that my tumour has a KRAS mutation?

Almost half of colorectal cancers carry a mutation in the KRAS gene. Today the most important consequence is that anti-EGFR antibodies (cetuximab, pa…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

What does it mean that my tumour is MSI-H or dMMR?

MSI-H (high microsatellite instability) and dMMR (deficient mismatch repair) describe the same thing: a tumour that accumulates many mutations becaus…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

Treatments

What is FOLFOX and what are its side effects?

FOLFOX is a combination of three drugs (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) given every two weeks with a 46-hour infusion pump. It is one o…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

Can liver metastases from colon cancer be surgically removed?

Yes, in a proportion of patients. Liver metastases from colorectal cancer are among the few metastases that can be removed with curative intent: when…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

Side effects

How can I relieve tingling in hands and feet caused by oxaliplatin?

Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX, CAPOX) damages sensory nerves: first it causes a temporary cold sensitivity and, as cycles add up, persistent tingling in the ha…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

Clinical trials

How can I join a colorectal cancer clinical trial in Spain?

A clinical trial is a study in which a new treatment is compared with the best available treatment, under strict controls. In oncology, placebo is no…

Reviewed 01/11/2026

Rights and paperwork

How do I request a second medical opinion if I have colon cancer?

In Spain a second opinion is a recognised right in the public health system for serious illnesses such as cancer. It is requested in writing at your …

Reviewed 01/11/2026

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