Colorectal cancer

Prevention and early detection are your best defenses against colon cancer. Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, recommends people with average risk who are 45 years old and older have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. Depending on your risk, however, there are alternative tests, so we encourage you to talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Colorectal cancer is considered to be one of the most preventable, treatable and survivable cancers there is — but generally only when detected early.

Treating cancer is a collaborative process. Just as our oncologists, specialists and other experts work with each other, we work with you, to make you feel comfortable, confident and optimistic about the road ahead.

Together, we'll build a personalized treatment plan that we feel offers the best outcome and that you feel works for you and your family.

This may include:

• Infusion therapy, including chemotherapy
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

Patients may not always show signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, or they may mimic symptoms of common gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

However, colorectal cancer symptoms can include:

• A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Frequent gas pains or cramps
• Frequently feeling full or bloated
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Weight loss with no known reason