What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of your colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The term colorectal cancer includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer. Together, these cancers are among the top five types of cancer diagnosed today.
Colorectal cancer starts as a polyp, an abnormal outgrowth of cells on the lining of the colon and rectum. When these polyps are found early and removed, colorectal cancer can be prevented from having the chance to develop. Beyond removing polyps, if colorectal cancer is caught in the earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is around 90%. This is why early detection and screening for colorectal cancer is so important. It is recommended for individuals to begin screening for polyps and cancer at the age of 45. This age is younger if there is a family history of cancer and polyps.
Our team of specialists will partner with you to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and navigate your options after a diagnosis. From screenings to innovative clinical trials, we give you access to the resources you need to care for colorectal cancer.
Baylor Scott & White providers specialize in care for:
- All types of colorectal cancer: Our teams give you options for all cancers affecting the lower GI tract, including anal cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer. With a complete network of cancer programs, you can access specialized care nearby.
- All stages of colorectal cancer: Whether your cancer is caught in the earliest stages or has spread in the body, we offer innovative options for every colon cancer stage. We’ll work together to make a plan based on your needs.
- People with a high risk of colorectal cancer: When factors put you at risk of colorectal cancer, we help you take charge of your health. From early screenings to genetic counseling, you can make choices to protect yourself and gain peace of mind.
When to see a doctor for colorectal cancer
It's important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor when something feels off with your digestive system. It's common to suffer from digestive upset from time to time, but you should pay attention if you have ongoing symptoms or discomfort. While the cause of your symptoms may not be colorectal cancer, a healthcare professional can help you understand what is wrong.
Visit your doctor if you have any persistent symptoms such as:
- Changes in bowel habits, including frequency
- Changes in the shape of your stool, such as narrowing of the stools
- Feeling like you still need to go after a bowel movement
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain, cramping, pressure or gas
- Sudden weight loss
- Chronic fatigue and weakness
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
One way to protect yourself from colorectal cancer is to know the symptoms and when to get checked. When colorectal cancer first develops, you may not have any noticeable signs. If you do have colorectal cancer symptoms, they might be very similar to other common digestive diseases, from infections to irritable bowel syndrome.
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer tend to be related to your digestive system. In rectal cancer, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is one of the most common symptoms, while colon cancer may cause changes in bowel habits or abdominal cramping. As colorectal cancer reaches its later stages, you may have symptoms that affect your whole body, like fatigue or weight loss.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Several factors increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. In some cases, you can take steps to control or reduce your risk factors, but some may not be within your control. By knowing your risk factors for colorectal cancer and talking with your doctor, you’ll have the information you need to make choices to protect yourself—such as lifestyle changes or routine screenings.
Colorectal cancer diagnosis
Many tests are available today to screen, diagnose or determine the stage of colorectal cancer. While colorectal cancer screenings look for signs of cancer when you have no symptoms, diagnostic tests are used as a follow-up to a screening or when you have symptoms that need a closer look.
One of the most common tests used to diagnose colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. It can help catch colorectal cancer in its early stages and allows your doctor to take tissue samples to diagnose the tumor. Early diagnosis is vital in treating colorectal cancer because it gives you more options, including surgical care that can preserve as much of your normal intestinal tract as possible.
Treatment for colorectal cancer
Your colorectal cancer treatment plan should be tailored to your individual needs. Colorectal cancer is best treated in a multidisciplinary team setting with multiple specialists working together to tailor your treatment plan to your cancer. Our locations offer a team of specialists and many support services and resources to help guide your care. After your diagnosis, your team will work with you to plan your next steps so you feel informed and confident in your treatment choices.
In many cases, surgery is used to treat colorectal cancer. The treatments you undergo might involve more than surgery; chemotherapy or radiation could also be considered. The specific treatments depend on various factors and whether you have colon or rectal cancer. In the later stages of colorectal cancer, your care may include immunotherapy, target therapies or clinical trials.
Colorectal cancer prevention
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Through routine screenings, you can often stop colorectal cancer before it starts. Because of the many screening options available to suit your needs, colorectal cancer is considered one of the most preventable types today.
Many factors affect your risk for colorectal cancer and some lifestyle factors are within your control. Healthy dietary choices, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are all preventive actions. If you’re ready to take charge of colorectal cancer prevention, talk with your doctor about your next steps.
Colorectal cancer screening
Following your doctor’s guidance on colorectal screening is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. If you have an average risk of colorectal cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends starting colorectal screenings at 45.
From stool-based tests to endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy, the guidelines for screening include several options. How often you need screening will depend on which test you choose.
In general, the guidelines recommend the following timing for each type of screening test:
- gFOBT stool test: Annually
- FIT stool test: Annually
- DNA-FIT stool test: Every three years
- Colonoscopy: Every ten years
- Virtual colonoscopy: Every five years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every five years or every ten years when used with yearly FIT
If you have any factors that put you at a higher risk of colorectal cancer, you should talk with your doctor about starting screening sooner. People with risk factors often need screenings earlier and more often. They’re also more likely to need a specific screening type, usually a colonoscopy.
Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of colon cancer
While we don’t know every factor that might increase your risk of colorectal cancer, there are some actions you can take to reduce your risk. Consider focusing on these healthy habits and talk to your doctor for guidance on living well.
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin and NSAIDs might reduce the risk of colorectal cancer when taken regularly. However, these drugs also increase the risk of other digestive conditions, such as ulcers, so you should talk to your doctor before taking them.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is good for your body in many ways, and researchers continue to look at how your diet and colorectal cancer are related. Some studies have shown that limiting red and processed meats in your diet reduces your risk.
- Physical activity: People who exercise regularly, especially moderate to intense exercise, and lead an active lifestyle have a lower risk of colorectal cancer and colorectal polyps.
- Alcohol: Not drinking alcohol or limiting the amount you drink could lower your risk of colorectal cancer. Limits include less than two drinks daily for men and one or fewer for women.
- Stop smoking: Quitting smoking and tobacco use is a great way to reduce your risk of many other types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.
- Vitamins, calcium, and magnesium: Some researchers have studied how vitamin D, calcium and magnesium may help lower your risk of colorectal cancer. But research is still underway. Talk with your healthcare provider before you take any vitamins or supplements.
Our approach to colorectal cancer
With our team, you have the expert providers, innovative treatments and complete support you need to feel confident at every step of your care. And with Texas's largest network of hospital-based cancer programs, you can find nearby care that fits your life.
Many of our locations offer dedicated colorectal cancer care teams that bring together multiple specialists—all working together for you. Our hospitals include physicians on the medical staff specializing in gastroenterology, medical oncology, colon and rectal surgery, radiation oncology and more.
You also have various support services to care for you as a whole person—from nutrition to genetic counseling to psychological care. No matter where you are in your colorectal cancer journey, our team is dedicated to helping you make informed choices and providing care that maximizes your quality of life.
Advanced diagnosis and treatment
Our extensive cancer services network gives you access to advanced treatments not found at other centers. We offer numerous screening and diagnostic options so that you can work with your doctor to choose the tests that fit your needs.
Our teams focus on providing treatments that reduce recovery time and minimize the effects of treatment as much as possible, including minimally invasive surgery and procedures that preserve the normal function of your digestive tract. With a commitment to ongoing research, you also have access to clinical trials that give you even more options in the fight against colorectal cancer.
- Early detection through screenings: We make it easy to connect with the routine care you need, including cancer screenings so that you can prevent, detect and beat colorectal cancer.
- Latest technology: You will have access to dedicated colon and rectal surgeons on the medical staff specializing in advanced surgical care. These experts guide you through your options, including minimally invasive surgical techniques and sphincter-preserving surgeries that can protect your normal digestive function and avoid needing a colostomy bag. Enhanced recovery programs reduce complications and shorten the length of your stay, as well as reduce narcotic use.
- Innovative research: With our robust cancer research program through the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, our teams are involved in advancing colorectal cancer treatment. Our cancer programs offer numerous clinical trials, giving you more options and hope.
Supportive care and wellness
Whether you’re coping with a new diagnosis or navigating life after cancer, our team is by your side through it all. We’ve created an entire network of support resources across Texas that are made just for you, including cancer navigators who guide you through your care. We’ll support you through each step so you know what to expect and can confidently move forward.
Colorectal cancer affects many aspects of your life. When you partner with us for your care, we focus on supporting you as a whole person—physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and spiritually. We also have programs designed for your loved ones and caregivers so that they feel supported and informed, too.
Some of our support and wellness services include:
Colorectal cancer causes
Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your colon or rectum multiply and grow rapidly. In most cells, specific genes control how they divide and stay functional. However, if these genes undergo mutations, they might not function properly. This could lead to the formation of cancer. Studies are ongoing to understand why this happens in some people, but researchers have found several factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Our locations near you
We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for your care, including colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in North and Central Texas.
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