News
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Posted on: 02/25/2011
Did you know?
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps. You usually can’t feel them, and they often produce few, if any, symptoms. But over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. No one really knows why some people develop colo-rectal cancers and others don’t. That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor. Because even if you don’t have any of the risk factors listed below, you could still be at risk.
Are you at risk?
You may be at risk for colo-rectal cancer if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Are over 50
- Eat a high fat diet
- Smoke
- Have a personal history of cancer
- Have suffered from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer or have a specific genetic mutation
- Have noticed a change in your bowel habits including blood in your stool, gas, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, or weight loss
Screening for Colo-rectal Cancer
The causes of most cancers are unknown. However, it is possible to prevent many colon and rectal cancers by finding and removing polyps that could become cancerous. Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for the development of colon and rectal cancer should get regular screenings.
- Tests to screen for cancer or precancerous polyps include:
- Digital rectal exam—use of a doctor's gloved finger to examine the rectum for lumps or growths
- Fecal occult blood test —a test to check for hidden blood in the stool
- Colonoscopy —examination of the rectum and entire colon using a lighted tube called a colonoscope
- Sigmoidoscopy —an examination of the lower colon using a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope
- Barium enema —a rectal injection of barium given to coat the lining of the colon and rectum; done before x-rays, in order to create better image of the lower intestine
- CT colonography —a radiology test that looks at your large intestines
Additional tests may be done to confirm the presence of cancer, determine what stage the cancer is in and/or determine if the cancer has spread:
- Biopsy —the removal of colon or rectal tissue to be tested for cancer
- Polypectomy —the removal of a polyp during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
- Blood tests to look for anemia and markers of cancer in the blood
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body; to identify the spread of the tumor outside the colon
- Positron emission tomography (PET) —a test that produces images showing the amount of functional activity in tissue being studied; it helps in finding out if the disease has spread outside the pelvis to other organs
- Transrectal ultrasound—an ultrasound probe that is inserted into the rectum sends out sound waves to image the tumor
What can you do?
There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer, such as:
- Not smoking
- Being physically active (e.g., exercising at least 30 minutes on most days of the week)
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet (e.g., high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in red meat)
Most importantly, remember to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get screened. Minor & James gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care of all colo-rectal cancers, can suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for your continued health.
To schedule an appointment, call our gastroenterology department at (206) 386-9615.
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