Colorectal cancer

Prevention and early detection are your best defenses against colon cancer. Regular screening for colorectal cancer is crucial as it allows for early detection when the disease is most treatable.  By identifying cancerous and precancerous conditions early, we can significantly improve patient outcomes and save lives.

The most common and effective way to screen for colorectal cancer is through a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera is inserted into the rectum.

This allows doctors to gain a detailed view of the colon and catch any signs of cancer early. A colonoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes and patients are typically provided a moderate sedative.

Additional screenings for colorectal cancer include:

• Barium enema with contrast (double-contrast barium enema)
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (typically every five years)
• Stool DNA (typically every three years)
• Virtual colonoscopy

Depending on your diagnosis, your care plan may include:

• Active surveillance
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery (including robotic, laparoscopic and traditional surgical techniques)
• Radiation therapy

From diagnosis to recovery, our team will walk with you every step of the way. This team includes:

• Colorectal surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Gastrointestinal (GI) oncology nurse navigators
• Genetics counselors
• Nutritionists
• Pathologists
• Physical therapists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Social workers

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous growths, called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become colon cancer. We recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer or find it at an early stage when it is smaller and easier to treat.

Two of the most common risk factors that increase your chance of getting colon or rectal cancer include having a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer and being 45 years old or older. Other lifestyle factors that may increase your chances include:

• Being a tobacco user
• Being African American
• Being overweight or obese
• Consuming alcohol
• Eating a low-fiber and high-fat diet
• Having a low fruit and vegetable intake
• Having an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Having an insufficient intake of clean, safe water
• Lacking regular exercise

We recommend you schedule a colon screening if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• A change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea or constipation)
• Blood in your stool
• Constant fatigue
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Feeling that your bowels are not emptying completely
• Pain and discomfort in the abdomen
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss