AdventHealth is home to leaders like Jeremy Drake, MD, a colorectal and general surgeon in Orlando. He’s a nationally recognized expert in robotic colorectal surgical procedures and is passionate about smart screening and lifesaving cancer treatments.
“The most important symptom to know about colon cancer is nothing. You can feel completely normal with zero complaints, but be growing a polyp or tumor in your colon. Early screening helps not only to detect but also prevent you from developing colon cancer,” says Dr. Drake.
Keep reading to learn more about colorectal cancer and how early detection can save lives.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon or rectum. It’s America’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and people are being diagnosed at younger ages than ever before. With no early warning signs, screening is crucial — especially when certain risk factors are present.
Of course, it’s not easy talking about colons and cancer with family, friends or even your favorite doctor. But your doctor cares and is happy to speak with you about easy steps that could save your life.
How to Keep Colorectal Cancer Out of Your Life
There are several steps you can take to lower your risk and increase your awareness of colorectal cancer. It's OK if you don’t know where to start. Here are three things that should be at the top of your list:
- Get colorectal tests and screening appropriate for your age and risk factors
- Know the warning signs and symptoms
- Don’t delay getting checked if you see symptoms, especially bloody stool
Doctors can provide at-home test kits to examine stool samples, as well as smart technologies to see and remove small pre-cancerous or cancerous growths. Larger tumors are treatable, too, especially when you find cancer when it’s most treatable.
Prevent Colorectal Cancers by Knowing the Facts
These red flags may mean your risk of colorectal cancer is higher:
- Family history of colorectal cancer, especially at an early age
- Heavy alcohol use
- Inactivity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition, especially diets high in red or processed meat
- Smoking
Thankfully, you can help minimize some risk factors by abstaining from alcohol, increasing your exercise levels, quitting smoking and eating a nutrient-rich diet.
Changing Trends and Rising Risks
In recent years, colorectal cancer rates have been falling in older age groups. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an increasing number of people are undergoing screenings and making lifestyle changes that reduce their risk factors. However, colorectal cancer rates are now rising among younger people, and men continue to have a slightly higher risk than women.
Colorectal cancer also disproportionately affects the Black community. Their rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in America. Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer.
New Screening Guidelines
The ACS now recommends that screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 45. Depending on the screening type, your age, results and risk factors, screenings should be done every year, or every 5 to 10 years. Ask your doctor or care team what they recommend for you.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer You Can’t Ignore
If you have colorectal cancer symptoms, seek expert help about warning signs — especially blood in your stool or rectal bleeding.
Signs of colorectal cancer can include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Anemia
- Bloating
- Blood in the toilet after a bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits
- Low back pain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Urge to have a bowel movement when there’s no need
It’s essential to recognize these warning signs so you can protect yourself and your loved ones by seeking care when it’s most effective and treatable.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Screening tests can find cancer early when treatment is most effective. They could even prevent cancer because doctors can remove polyps that might develop into cancer later. Let’s look at different types of screening tests.
Visual colorectal exams
Visual procedures let specialists look inside the colon and rectum. They use a camera-guided instrument or imaging device. Types of exams include:
- Colonoscopy: This procedure lets providers view your entire colon and rectum. They insert a thin, flexible tube into the rectum to find and remove abnormal growths.
- Computed tomography colonoscopy (CTC): This option produces detailed imaging of the entire colon, allowing specialists to examine it more closely.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is like a colonoscopy but uses a shorter tube to check only the lower third of the colon. Doctors sometimes combine it with a stool test.
Stool Tests
Your doctor may recommend an annual stool test. Test options include:
- DNA stool test: This combines the FIT with a test for altered DNA. Your doctor provides a home test kit.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Antibodies detect blood in the stool. Your doctor provides a home test kit.
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): A chemical detects blood in the stool. Samples are collected via a take-home test kit.
If your doctor recommends screening for colorectal cancer, it’s best to take action right away because catching cancer early puts you on the best path to recovery.
Colorectal Treatments
If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 90%. The primary treatment is surgery, though doctors use chemotherapy for advanced colon cancer. Other approaches include radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy.
Schedule an Appointment
Peace of mind comes with getting a clean bill of health. Our AdventHealth specialists will discuss your findings and offer a specialized consultation. Request an appointment with our team and take the first step to get screened for colorectal cancer.
