Colon Cancer

Overview:

Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine or the rectum. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), 140,000 people per year in the United States are struck with colon cancer, 60,000 of whom will die from the disease. Although 90% of colon cancer patients are over the age of 40, it can occur at any age. After 40, however, the risk of getting colon cancer doubles every 10 years. Any family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, as well as a personal history of colonic polyps, ulcerative colitis, or any other type of cancer places an individual in a higher risk category. Despite all of these figures, colon cancer is potentially curable if diagnosed in its early stages, making regular screening essential.

In many cases, colon cancer will have no discernable symptoms, which is another reason that regular screening is so important in early diagnosis. Some symptoms which may indicate colorectal cancer are blood in stool, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea). These can also indicate other gastrointestinal diseases, so a thorough screening is essential to determine the cause. Other symptoms which can indicate an advanced stage of colon cancer are abdominal pain and weight loss.

Causes:

It is unclear what causes colon cancer, in most cases. As with colonic polyps, when healthy cells in the colon are altered, polyps, and ultimately, cancer can form. Nearly all colon cancer begins as benign (non-cancerous) colonic polyps, but which develop into cancer.

Diagnosis:

There are several methods for detecting colon cancer. As with colonic polyps, a barium enema can be used, as well as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Your gastroenterologist can also perform a chemical test on stool for blood. The most thorough method is the colonoscopy as it allows the entire bowel to be viewed.

Treatment:

There are several treatment options for colon cancer, although nearly all cases will require surgery. For the earliest stage, the cancer cells can be removed, often during a colonoscopy. Later stages will likely require more extensive surgery to remove the part of the colon that contains the cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other treatment methods. Chemotherapy is generally recommended after surgical removal of Stage III colon cancer in order to increase the chance of complete cure. ASCRS estimates that 80%-90% of patients are restored to normal health when colon cancer is diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages.

How Associates in Gastroenterology can help:

Associates in Gastroenterology and our outpatient surgery center, Associated Endoscopy, are equipped with the most state of the art diagnostic and surgical treatment technologies, our physicians are board certified experts in the field of gastroenterology, and our staff has many years of experience with endoscopic procedural care. We will advise you of the best treatment options for your situation, and we have all of the tools in place for your comfort and effective treatment. Please give us a call, or visit here to schedule your colon cancer screening.