What You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer and Screenings

Colorectal Cancer and Prevention

Preventing colorectal cancer involves maintaining a healthy diet and exercise habits, as well as adhering to screening recommendations.

One of the best prevention tools is regular screening. The standard recommendation is that everyone aged 50-75 should undergo colorectal cancer screening, but it may be necessary to start earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer.

It has been estimated that if we could get everyone screened according to recommendations, we could prevent over 90% of colorectal cancers.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths, in the colon or rectum.

Colonoscopies are recommended approximately every ten years for people who don't have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies allow doctors to detect suspicious polyps and remove them during the same visit.

Colonoscopy is a way to screen for colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. It can also be used to diagnose problems in the colon, such as investigating sources of chronic diarrhea, bleeding, etc.

The procedure requires drinking liquids the day before, which is called bowel preparation. On the day of the procedure, an IV line is placed and the nursing staff administers sedatives to the patients.

The colonoscope is then inserted into the rectum and passes into the colon up to its junction with the small intestine. It is then withdrawn and polyps are removed or biopsies are taken as necessary.

The probe is then fully withdrawn, and the patient is brought back to their room. They are given something to eat or drink, and when sufficiently recovered from the sedation, they can go home. A patient must be driven home due to sedation.

Other Methods for Colorectal Cancer Screening

In addition to colonoscopy, there are other screening options, including sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower part of the colon. There are also stool tests: fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which detect the presence of blood in the stool. FOBT is a good test, but it can give false positives if blood is present for other reasons, such as hemorrhoids, certain medications, or even beef consumption the previous day.

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colorectal Cancer

Questions to Ask Your Doctor?

• Should I get a colorectal cancer screening test?
• What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
• What clinical trials are available to me? Where are they located, and how can I learn more about them?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?
• What are the possible risks and side effects of each treatment, both short-term and long-term?
• Who will be on my healthcare team, and what is the role of each member?
• Who will direct my overall treatment?
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• Could this treatment affect my ability to get pregnant or have children? If so, should I consult a fertility specialist before starting cancer treatment?
• If I am worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• If I have questions or problems, who should I call?

Questions to Ask Before Surgery

• Where exactly is the cancer located?
• What do you know about my cancer at this stage?
• If I have rectal cancer, should I undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy before my surgery?
• What other tests will be performed before surgery?
• Can you describe the surgical procedure I will undergo?
• What do you plan to remove during surgery? The colon, rectum, or lymph nodes?
• Is a biopsy part of the surgery?
• How long after the surgery will I have the results of all tests and a definitive diagnosis?
• Do you think I might need a temporary or permanent colostomy?
• Is this the standard type of procedure for my case?
• How many times have you successfully performed this type of surgery?
• Who will provide me with information about how I should prepare for surgery and the hospital stay? How long will I be in the hospital?
• How will my pain be controlled after surgery?
• What other side effects are possible with this type of surgery?

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably. Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, and may be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on its starting point.

The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal system.

Most colorectal cancers first develop as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that can become cancerous if not removed. When found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Even if it spreads to nearby lymph nodes, surgical treatment followed by chemotherapy is very effective.

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