Colorectal Cancer

If you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, an early detection screening can help identify any problems in the most treatable stages. Talk to your physician to determine the age you should begin screening and how often testing should be repeated.

Your risk for colorectal cancer goes up if you have:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
• Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation or a difference in the consistency of your stool
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Excessive weakness or fatigue
• Persistent abdominal discomfort such as gas, cramps or pain
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss

Your physician will perform a physical exam to check for lumps, pain and tenderness in your abdomen. They will use a lubricated, gloved finger to perform a digital rectal exam to detect any lumps or unusual growths. Blood tests check for anemia, assess your liver function and provide other valuable clues to your condition.

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to view inside your colon and rectum to look for polyps, abnormal growths or cancer. The process uses a long, thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope attached to a video camera and monitor. It may also include a tool for removing tissue samples or polyps to test them for cancer signs. These instruments are inserted through your rectum and into your colon.

CT scans and X-rays show detailed images of different structures and areas inside your body. They are often used to determine if cancer cells have spread.

CT colonography is also called a virtual colonoscopy. The procedure uses a series of low-dose CT scans to take pictures of the inside of your colon. A computer pieces the pictures together into dimensional images to create a detailed view that reveals any polyps or other abnormalities.

A double-contrast barium enema is also called a lower GI series. The procedure uses a liquid inserted into your rectum that contains a metallic compound called barium to improve visibility and highlight problem areas in your lower gastrointestinal tract.

A fecal occult blood test checks your stool for hidden blood that’s only visible with a microscope. Although colorectal cancer does not always cause bleeding, blood in the stool can indicate colorectal cancer.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a thin tube fitted with a light and a camera to look inside your rectum and sigmoid or lower colon. The instrument may also have a tool to remove tissue samples or polyps if found during the procedure.