Colorectal cancer

Typical risk factors associated with the disease include:

• A diet high in red meats and processed meats or low in fruits and vegetables
• Excessive drinking
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Tobacco use

In most cases, colorectal cancer can occur in adults without any detectable symptoms, making screening and expert diagnosis even more critical to your health and well-being. You should speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. The symptoms or warning signs of colorectal cancer include:

• Bright red, black, or tarry blood in stool
• Consistent feeling of fatigue 
• Constipation, diarrhea, or a feeling of having an unemptied bowel
• Discomfort in the abdominal area, including:
  • Bloating
  • Cramps
  • Frequent gas pains
• Unexpected weight loss
• Unusually narrow stosols

Prevention and early detection are your best defenses against colon cancer. Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, recommends people with average risk who are 45 years old and older have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. However, there are alternative tests depending on your risk, so we encourage you to talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Colorectal cancer is considered to be one of the most preventable, treatable and survivable cancers there is — but generally only when detected early.

Colonoscopy

The most common and effective way to screen for colorectal cancer is through a colonoscopy. A thin, flexible tube attached to a camera is inserted into the rectum during a colonoscopy.

This allows doctors to gain a detailed view of the colon and catch any signs of cancer early. A colonoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes and patients are typically provided a moderate sedative.

Other colorectal cancer screening tools

Additional screenings for colorectal cancer include:

• Barium enema with contrast (double-contrast barium enema)
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (typically every five years)
• Stool DNA (typically every three years)

Treating cancer is a collaborative process. Just as our oncologists, specialists and other experts work with each other, we work with you to make you feel comfortable, confident and optimistic about the road ahead.

Together, we'll build a personalized treatment plan that we feel offers the best outcome and that you feel works for you and your family.

This may include:

• Infusion therapy, including chemotherapy
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery