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Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States—causing nearly 50,000 deaths a year. This is most likely due to the fact that 40 percent of those who should get screened don’t—usually due to fear or embarrassment.
The best time to be screened for colon cancer is when you’re feeling well and not having symptoms. Because when detected early colon cancer is not only treatable—it’s also preventable.
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Colorectal cancer starts in either the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers develop slowly over many years. A large number of these cancers begin as a polyp—a growth of tissue that starts in the lining and grows into the center of the colon or rectum. This tissue may or may not be cancer. A polyp known as adenoma can become cancer. Removing a polyp early may keep it from becoming cancer. (Watch the video on the right to learn more about this).
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The Colorectal Cancer Program at CentraState Medical Center offers state-of-the-art services, expertise, and technology for detecting, diagnosing, treating and helping patients recover from colorectal cancer. Because our focus is on the whole person, not simply the disease, we also offer guidance on maintaining colorectal health—including providing complementary therapies to support self-healing and emotional well being, while helping patients maximize the benefits of conventional treatment.
Our multi-disciplinary, integrated approach assures patients and their families of continuity of care and the convenience of finding everything under one roof in a friendly, attentive environment.
The colorectal cancer team is led by an outstanding group of board-certified physicians specializing in Medical Oncology, Gastroenterology, Surgery, and Radiation Oncology.
Trained at leading academic medical centers, these doctors combine their expertise to evaluate and treat all stages of the disease. The team also includes Magnet-designated nurses credentialed in chemotherapy and certified in cancer care, and other professionals focused on patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
CentraState is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC), which sets the standards for cancer care programs nationwide and has recognized CentraState with an Outstanding Achievement Award.
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Risk Assessment &Symptoms
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Increased risk for colorectal cancer has been linked to:
Age—Nine out of 10 people with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
History—Having had polyps or colorectal cancer before, a history of bowel disease, and a family history of colorectal cancer.
Race—African Americans and Jews of Eastern European descent have a higher risk.
Lifestyle—Poor diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking, alcohol, and diabetes appears to increase risk.
Although colorectal cancer often displays no symptoms (which is why early screening is so important), in later stages people may experience:
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Diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools that last for more than a few days.
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A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away after doing so.
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Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal).
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Cramping or stomach pain.
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Weakness and tiredness.
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Screenings
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The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, and U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommend regular screenings beginning at age 50 for people at average risk for colorectal cancer. Several screening options exist. Your doctor can help determine what’s right for you.
Fecal occult blood tests typically are performed at home and returned to a laboratory for analysis. If blood (occult) is detected in the stool samples, further testing will be required.
Colonoscopy examines the rectum and entire 6-foot length of the colon (large intestine). Patients prepare by eating a restricted diet and drinking a laxative preparation to ensure the colon is free of feces. Patients are sedated for the procedure, during which the doctor threads a thin, flexible endoscope with a miniature camera on the leading end through the rectum and into the colon. Images from inside the colon are viewed on a display monitor. It takes about 30 minutes. If precancerous polyps or other abnormal tissue are found, they can be removed during the exam.
Sigmoidoscopy examines only the rectum and lower two feet of the colon. It takes about 10-20 minutes. Sedation is optional. Preparation for the test is easier than for a colonoscopy. However, 50 percent of polyps and cancers are found in the upper colon, which is beyond the reach of most sigmoidoscopes.
Double-contrast barium enemas evaluate the colon using X-ray and barium contrast dye to view a clear silhouette of the rectum, colon, and sometimes, a small portion of the small intestine. If polyps are detected, a colonoscopy will probably be recommended.
(To learn more about screenings view the video on this page)
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To verify the existence of cancer, a biopsy will be done on any part of the colon or rectum that does not look normal. For a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of the tissue from the area of concern. This is done during a colonoscopy, which is performed as a same-day procedure in our Ambulatory Services Department.
Tissue samples are promptly analyzed on site in our Pathology Department. If cancer is found, further sample analysis will help predict how aggressively it may behave and how to direct therapies to stop it.
Additional imaging tests may be needed to determine the stage (extent) of the cancer. All are performed on site in our Radiology Department.
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Individualized Treatment Options
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Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on his or her unique age, life expectancy, health status, lifestyle and personal preference; the severity of the cancer and whether it is a recurrence of a pre-existing cancer; and potential complications or side effects of each therapeutic approach.
The Colorectal Cancer Program offers these leading treatments for colorectal cancer:
Radiation Therapy—External beam radiotherapy, including 3D conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, and image-guided radiation therapy.
Surgery—For early stage colon cancer, a colectomy or segmental resection are often performed. Usually the cancer and a piece of normal colon on either side of the cancer (as well as nearby lymph nodes) are removed. The two ends of the colon are then sewn back together. This procedure can be performed through an incision in the abdomen or depending on the cancer stage, a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (a series of smaller incisions, which produces less scarring and faster healing). For rectal cancer, there are several surgical procedures that may be performed. It depends on the cancer location and stage.
Chemotherapy—Medicines that kill or halt the growth of cancer cells. This approach generally is used to relieve symptoms and prolong survival when the cancer has spread from its place of origin.
Some patients may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial in which they receive an emerging colorectal cancer treatment before it becomes publicly available.
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Complementary, Supportive Services
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Patients may find dealing with the emotional and physical effects of colorectal cancer to be stressful, even isolating. To help them cope, we offer an array of supportive services, including:
- The Cancer Support Group.
- Complementary therapies such as massage, T’ai Chi, Reiki, raindrop technique, and therapeutic touch.
- Classes focusing on wellness topics, such as stress management, healthy nutrition, physical fitness, and smoking cessation.
- The Cancer Navigator Program, which helps patients and their families through the cancer journey by providing guidance, support, and resource referrals.
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