Colorectal Cancer FAQs

What is colorectal cancer and why should it matter to me?

Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that arises from the lining of the colon, rectum or large intestine. Colon and rectal cancer together are the second leading cause of death due to cancer in our country.

Are there any symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Some symptoms include rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, a change in bowel habit, abdominal pain or weight loss. There are certain signs that sometimes develop like anemia or deficiency of iron. Unfortunately, we can't rely on these symptoms to be aware of whether colon cancer or colon polyps are present. If we wait for such symptoms or signs to develop, often we're dealing with an advanced malignancy. This is why, given that colon or rectal cancer is so prevalent, that we began a screening program to search for premalignant polyps, to remove them before they can evolve into colon cancer, or to detect colon cancer at an early stage before symptoms develop.

What are the tests that detect colorectal cancer?

There are several tests that can be used to screen for colon and rectal cancer and premalignant polyps. Colonoscopy continues to be the gold standard and that's because colonoscopy is the most sensitive in detecting even small polyps, premalignant polyps and cancer. It also affords the opportunity to remove these lesions during the examination.

When should I get screened for colorectal cancer?

Screening for colon and rectal cancer and precancerous polyps should begin in the average person at age 45. There may be reasons to begin screening earlier and people who have a special risk for colon or rectal cancer, like those with a family history or a family history of polyps, screening should begin earlier.

Who is at increased risk for colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer can affect anybody who is middle-aged or older, but there are certain groups who are higher than average risk for colon cancer. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at higher risk and may have double the average risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. Those who are smokers, who are overweight, who consume a diet high in red meat are also at higher risk than average.

Are there things I can do to lower my risk for colorectal cancer?

There are certain factors that we can control. Control of these factors can reduce one's risk of colon and rectal cancer. Limiting our consumption of red meat, avoiding tobacco smoking, increasing our physical activity. These are among the things that can help reduce our risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.

What can I do to lower my risk of colorectal cancer?

You can reduce your risk through a healthy lifestyle. That healthy lifestyle would include a healthy diet (lower in animal fat such as red meat), by avoiding smoking (cigarettes, tobacco) and by moderating or eliminating alcohol.

How often do I need to get screened for colorectal cancer?

If you've had your initial screening colonoscopy you might ask how often do I have to have a colonoscopy? If you don't have any special family history or risk factors, a complete screening colonoscopy can allow you to go for another ten years before you have to have another one. If you are discovered to have colon polyps at your initial colonoscopy, the size and microscopic features and number of these polyps will help determine when your next colonoscopy should take place.

Has a family member been diagnosed with colorectal cancer?

If a person has a first-degree family history of colon or rectal cancer, like a parent or sibling, then one's risk of colon cancer statistically is twice the national average. So it's really important for individuals with this type of a family history to get a screening and sometimes it's appropriate to begin the screening process earlier than 45 years of age.