March is National Colorectal Cancer Month. The General Surgery and Gastroenterology teams at Platte Valley Medical Clinic want to educate you on ways to prevent, identify and treat this deadly disease.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, or CRC is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer usually develops from polyps, which are small, benign growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may become cancerous and grow into tumors.
Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease and more than 50,000 die.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, particularly at first. Someone can have CRC and not know it. That's why it is important to get screened starting at age 45. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include the following:
Changing Bowel Habits
Changing bowel habits may include intermittent or constant diarrhea and/or constipation, a change in the consistency of your stool, or stools that are more narrow than usual.
Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
Abdominal discomfort may present as cramps, gas, or pain. You may also feel full, bloated, or like your bowel is not completely empty. Nausea and vomiting can also be a symptoms.
Rectal Bleeding
Blood in or on your stool is a symptom of rectal cancer and colon cancer. The blood can be bright red, or the stool may be black and tarry or brick red.
Weakness and/or Fatigue
Weakness and/or fatigue may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Weakness and/or fatigue may be accompanied by anemia or a low red blood cell count.
Unexplained Weight Loss
A loss of weight for no known reason should always be investigated. Nausea and/or vomiting are also possible symptoms.
Screening (testing for colorectal cancer) is the number one way you can prevent colon and rectal cancer. With screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are also highly treatable if caught early. That’s why on-time screening is essential and lifesaving.
When should you be screened?
All men and women without a family history of colorectal cancer should begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.
If you have certain risk factors, you may need to be screened earlier than 45. Speak with your trusted healthcare professional about developing a screening plan for you. They can recommend how and when you should be screened.
Colonoscopy Overview
Getting a colonoscopy is the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening. The advantages of a colonoscopy:
- Most complete screening method available
- Allows doctors to identify and remove polyps in the same procedure
- Sedation is usually given to patient to minimize discomfort
- Examines full colon
- Depending on results, you may only need to be re-screened every 10 years
Considerations of having a colonoscopy:
- Requires one day of clear liquids and laxative preparations
- You will need to set aside a day for the procedure and have a ride home to leave the medical facility
- Small risk of perforation or bleeding
Treatment
Treatment for colorectal cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, and in some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used as well. The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as other factors such as the person's overall health.
Take Action
Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) about your health history and risk factors for colon cancer, and how to schedule a colonoscopy.
Should you need specialty care, turn to the General Surgery and Gastroenterology teams at Platte Valley Medical Clinic by making an appointment by phone at 308-865-2263.
