Colorectal cancer

You may be considered high risk for developing colorectal cancer if you:

• Are an active tobacco user
• Are Black or of Eastern European descent
• Are older than 60 years old
• Are overweight or obese
• Drink more than one drink a day
• Eat a diet high in red meat and low in fiber
• Get less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer
• Have an inherited syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Have Type 2 diabetes

Additional genetic conditions such as Cowden syndrome, juvenile polyposis coli, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and Turcot syndrome also put you at an increased risk.

Without warning signs, colorectal cancer can be difficult to distinguish from a common gastrointestinal (GI) condition. However, noticeable symptoms may include:

• Any major change in bowel habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Feeling bowels do not totally empty
• Frequent gas pain or bloating
• General abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• New onset anemia
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Red, black or tarry blood in stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Unexplained weight loss

Prevention and early detection are your best defenses against colon cancer. If you are 45 years old or older and are at average risk of colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests you get a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years.

Depending on your risk, we may use additional screening tests, such as:

• Double-contrast barium enema
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Stool DNA test
• Virtual colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

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

This enables them to gain a detailed view of the colon and catch any signs of cancer as early as possible. Colonoscopies usually take about 30 minutes, and you are typically provided with a moderate sedative.

Virtual colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy is a noninvasive alternative to the traditional method that doesn't require sedation. During this imaging test, we use a computerized tomography (CT) scanner to capture images of the colon.

We treat cancer using a collaborative process. Just as our oncologists and medical specialists work with one another, we work with you to make you feel as comfortable, confident and optimistic as possible.

Together, we will build a treatment plan that we feel offers the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Your care plan may include:

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

With us, you have access to everyone throughout our entire healthcare network. We are able to assemble the right team to bring you a level of cancer care that you can't find anywhere else.

Your care team might include specialized:

• Colorectal surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Genetic counselors
• Medical oncologists
• Oncology nurse navigators
• Pathologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Surgical oncologists