What the Diagnosis Means

The facts and fears about colorectal cancer

Ever since they learned that the polyp removed from President Reagan's colon during a 3-hr, operation was a startling 2 in. across, most doctors following his case had been predicting the outcome of the pathologists' tests. So they were prepared last week for Dr. Steven Rosenberg's dramatic announcement that "the President has cancer." But ordinary citizens may have been confused when, with the dread words still hanging in the air, Rosenberg went on to say that the malignancy had been removed and that no further treatment seemed necessary. Indeed, under the circumstances, it might have been more appropriate to say that...

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