Get the Facts - Colorectal Cancer | Catholic Health Long Island

Dr. Christina Sardinha, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery Services at Catholic Health, shares information about colorectal cancer and the importance of early screenings.

What is the difference between colon and rectal cancer?

The colon and the rectum are both parts of the large intestine. The colon is located in the abdomen and is approximately five feet long. The rectum is more inside the pelvis and measures about 15 to 18 cm.

We use the term "colorectal" because, biologically, they behave similarly. Cancers that arise in the colon follow a similar pattern to the cancers that develop in the rectum. Even though the treatment could be a little bit different.

Most colon cancer is treated with surgery and sometimes chemotherapy. Treatment for rectal cancer is a little bit different. Sometimes, just chemo and radiation therapy may be necessary and it does not even require surgery. Most colorectal cancers are actually asymptomatic.

What is colorectal cancer?

"Colorectal cancer is basically a growth in intestinal cells, caused by genetic changes that occur over time. These growths are called polyps. Initially, a polyp is a benign growth - but over time it can progress and change into an early cancer and ultimately an invasive cancer."

Dr. Christina Sardinha, MD, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery Services at Catholic Health

What causes colorectal cancer?

There are risk factors that may lead to the formation of cancer. These include:

Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Eating red meat
A sedentary lifestyle

Other factors, including a family history or genetic inheritance, can also lead to colorectal cancer.

Most patients who present with colorectal cancer have sporadic lesions and may not have any risk factors or even a related family history.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

While most cases of colorectal cancer are asymptomatic, you need to pay attention to your body and any changes in your body that you notice. Bleeding is never normal, whether you're young or older, and you should have an evaluation by your physician.

Other important symptoms may present as changes in your intestinal function, including constipation or diarrhea that may last a few weeks. You should not interpret these symptoms as being IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), a virus, or an infection. You need to be evaluated for colorectal cancer.

What is a screening colonoscopy? Is it covered by insurance?

Colonoscopy is a preventive test. In the United States, it is covered by most private insurance and Medicare.

A colonoscopy is not only diagnostic, but it is also therapeutic. This means that if a polyp is found, the surgeon can remove it completely and reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer.

If you are 45 or older and you haven’t had a screening colonoscopy, you can only hope that you will not get colorectal cancer. To protect yourself, follow the guidelines and get a colonoscopy screening. If you have any concerns, listen to your body and get an evaluation by your physician.

How can I reduce my risk for colorectal cancer?

While not all colorectal cancers can be avoided, early screening can help to find the cancer earlier, when treatment often offers more options. A colonoscopy can also remove certain polyps, which may lower your risk over time. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising and eating a healthy diet can help to lower your risk.

Learn more about Colorectal Cancer and Colon and Rectal Surgery services at Catholic Health.

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March 17, 2026

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Get the Facts - Colorectal Cancer