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Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer (CRC). This term combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum. CRC is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine usually beginning as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon, which usually aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time. This is why screening is so critical because the tests can find precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Regular screening can help find colorectal cancer early as it is easier to treat earlier on before it spreads.
In Louisiana, screening rates are lower and mortality rates are higher than national averages, with the state ranking 5th in the nation for colorectal cancer deaths. However, colorectal cancer is highly preventable, treatable and survivable, especially when screened and diagnosed early. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.
Signs & Symptoms
- A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Losing weight without trying
Risk Factors & Behaviors
- Older age
- Race (Black)
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk - including familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
- Family history of colon cancer
- Low-fiber, high-fat diet
- Not exercising regularly
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Radiation therapy for cancer
There's no definitive way to prevent colon cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
It is important to talk to your primary care provider about colorectal cancer
screening options. Polyps often don't cause symptoms, therefore doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for - and remove - polyps in the colon. Anyone between the ages of 45-75 should get screened. Options include:
- Stool DNA test: Every 3 years; in the privacy of your home.
- Highly Sensitive Stool-Based Tests: Can be taken yearly at home.
- Flexible Signoidoscopy: Every 5 years; doesn't require sedation
- Colonoscopy: Frequency depends on risk factors
Treatment Options
- Polypectomy
- Endoscopic mucosal resection
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Partial colectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Local Resources
- https://louisianacancer.org/cancers/colorectal-cancer/
- https://www.louisianacancercenter.org/
- https://marybird.org/cancer-types/colon/
- https://medicine.tulane.edu/tulane-doctors/tulane-cancer-center/colorectal-cancer
- https://www.ochsner.org/services/colon-rectal-and-anal-cancer
- https://www.fmolhs.org/services/cancer-care/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer
National Resources
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal
- https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/index.html
- https://colorectalcancer.org/
- https://coloncancercoalition.org/
- https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/
- https://www.globalcca.org/
- https://coloncancerfoundation.org/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669