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?
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. It starts in the large intestine (colon) or rectum (end of colon). Once it forms, the cancerous cells can spread to other body parts, making it harder to treat and more deadly. The key to treatment is catching it in its earliest stages, before precancerous polyps develop into cancer.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer specialists, including medical oncologists and gastroenterologists, provide screenings like colonoscopies and specialize in treating colorectal cancer and other GI cancers.
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.
Manage My Risk Request Genetic Counseling
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.
