If you are facing colorectal cancer, you have us to help. Medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, and an entire care team work together to create a treatment plan specific to you. This means that you will receive the best possible care available today – and be prepared if future treatments are needed. From colon and rectal cancer screenings to diagnosis through post-treatment follow-up, you have us right by your side.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colon or colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. It starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Once it forms, the cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body, like the liver or lungs. This makes it harder to treat and more deadly. The key to treatment is catching it in its earliest stages or before precancerous polyps develop into cancer.
Risk Factors
Besides your family medical history, the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis can rise due to other outside forces. These known risk factors include:
- Personal or family history of precancerous colon polyps or colon cancer
- Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s colitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Reaching age 45
- Not being physically active
- Alcohol consumption
- Radiation
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Obesity
A genetic counselor can work with you to provide guidance on your personal risk factors.
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Signs & Symptoms
Besides your family medical history, other noteworthy signs and symptoms of cancer in colorectal tissue may display as:
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Increase of amount of mucus in stool
- Narrow or tar-like stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Fatigue
Many symptoms present as irritable bowel syndrome. Always see your doctor if a change in bowel habits lasts more than 2 or 3 months.
Getting a Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if detected early. A colonoscopy is the most important screening and diagnostic tool available. This screening helps physicians see and remove precancerous polyps, look for suspicious lesions and obtain a biopsy if needed – all in one procedure.
- When to get a colonoscopy: The general rule of thumb is to get this colorectal screening done at least once every 10 years after turning the age of 45 (unless determined otherwise by your doctor).
- Where to get a colonoscopy: Call a colonoscopy location across our five-state region, or request an appointment online.
With early detection and expert oncology treatment, there’s hope. Turn to Avera Cancer Institute for detecting and treating colon, rectal, esophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancers. Our board-certified oncologists have the specialty training needed to provide cancer treatment services.
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Colorectal Treatment Options
After a colorectal cancer diagnosis is determined, there are a variety of treatments based on your specific diagnosis. Turn to Avera Cancer Institute. Our board-certified oncologists have the specialty training needed to provide personalized cancer care.
