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Colorectal cancer begins with no symptoms at all. However, over time, a number of warning signs will appear:
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool (bright red, black, or very dark)
- A change in bowel movements, especially in the shape of the stool (e.g., narrow like a pencil)
- Cramping pain in the lower abdomen
- Frequent gas pains
- Discomfort or the urge to move the bowels when there is no need
- Weight loss without dieting
- Constant fatigue
If you experience these symptoms, notify your physician so that a detailed medical history, x-ray and possibly endoscopic evaluation may be done to make a diagnosis.
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Yes. In most cases, colon cancer may exist without any signs or symptoms. Screening is the only way to find polyps. If the polyp is removed, it cannot develop into cancer. If you are over 50, you should get regular screenings as recommended by your family physician.
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Yes. You may be at increased risk for colon cancer if you have a history of colitis due to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, both of which are characterized by diarrhea. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you might also have an increased risk. In addition, a family history of other types of cancer (i.e. ovarian, pancreatic, uterine and kidney) may increase your risk of colon cancer.
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No. It is a common myth that colon cancer is a disease that primarily strikes men, even though an equal number of men and women die from colon cancer every year. In fact, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in women. No one is immune to this disease.
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In general, yes.
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Yes, Long-term cigarette smoking increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer for two main reasons: inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon and tobacco use appears to increase polyp size.
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Colorectal cancer has been linked to heavy alcohol use. Increased risk seems to be mainly associated with distilled spirits like gin, vodka and bourbon.
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Yes. In general, individuals are at increased risk when members of their immediate or extended family have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
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Yes. Diabetics are up to 40 percent more likely to develop colorectal cancer than people who do not have diabetes.
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Diets high in fat and cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Also, since diabetics have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, food choices that are known to lead to diabetes should also be avoided. In general, these include sugary foods and refined carbohydrates. Examples include white sugar, white rice, white bread and white pasta.
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A colonoscopy is considered the "gold standard" for colorectal screening because it enables doctors to visualize the entire colon to find and remove polyps. A sigmoidoscopy can only provide visual information on the lower third of the colon.
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Proper preparation is the most important thing you can do to help ensure you get the most accurate screening possible. Your doctor will give you complete instructions on what to do. Before any test, let your doctor know about any medicines you are taking because they may affect the test results. You will need to follow a special diet the day before the exam and take a very strong laxative in the hours before the procedure. You may also need an enema to cleanse the colon. The key to getting a proper study with good pictures is to have the colon cleaned out.
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A colonoscopy normally takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
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No, this exam is not painful. Most patients are anesthetized for colonoscopy, so they won't feel anything. In fact, most colonoscopy veterans attest that the anticipation is worse than the exam itself. New anesthesia is fast-acting and recovery time is approximately 15 minutes. Please read our patient testimonials to learn more.
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A colonoscopy may be done in a hospital outpatient department, in a clinic, an ambulatory surgery center, or in a doctor's office. The patient's privacy is always a top concern. Doctors and nurse specialists are professional and very careful to respect the patient's privacy.
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Most people feel fine after a colonoscopy, though you may feel a bit woozy. You will be monitored and given fluids after the procedure as you awake from the anesthesia. You may have some gas, which could cause mild discomfort. You will need to have a responsible person accompany you to the doctor’s office and drive you home after the procedure.
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If you are 50 or older and do not have a personal or family history of colon cancer, you only need to get screened once every 10 years. However, if you do have a family history of the disease, you will need to get screened every two to five years starting at age 40. Consult with your doctor if you have specific questions.
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If a polyp is found, it can be removed during the very same procedure. The polyp is then sent to a laboratory to be tested to determine if it is cancerous. Removal of the polyp is painless.
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If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, surgery is generally required to remove cancer. The type of surgery and follow-up treatment will depend on how advanced the cancer is. Evidence suggests that the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is an option in the prevention of sporadic colon cancer by reducing the incidence and size of the cancer. Please consult with your physician for more information.
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