Colon cancer been diagnosed

[PEP65]

My father is 84 years old and has been diagnosed with colon cancer from August. However he is refusing to accept this . We have tried our best as a family saying to have the treatment but he still refusing. Very worried. I guess when you reach that age you can be in denial or even think why have any form of operation or chemotherapy?

[Martinmartin]

Hi, in this age any kind of procedure bears risks. If the stage and the growth is advanced, the treatment easily tolerable for people 10 years his junior might prove ineffective and unpleasant for a prolonged time without yielding desired results. More than talking to you, he should be talking with a medical professonal who is well-versed in this topic so he can make well informed decision based on the staging and curability. In this age, it is entirely upon him to decide, based on understanding the curability, comfort of treatment and potential treatment refusal with palliative care in the end-stage. You have to understand that the decision is solely upon him, but the decision has to be well-informed.

[PEP65 in reply to Martinmartin]

Thanks very much for your response. I appreciate it.

[CRCAdvocate]

Sorry to hear your father has been diagnosed with colon cancer. I would contact his doctor and ask for a referral to speak with a social worker or patient navigator. It's difficult and scary to start treatment, but it's important to know the options available. Trained medical professionals can help both you and your father. Best wishes.