What is colorectal cancer?
Colon cancer begins in the large intestine (called the colon). Rectal cancer begins in the rectum, the part of the large intestine closest to the anus (the outside opening to the intestine). These forms of cancer have many common features. Sometimes they are referred to together as colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Many of these deaths happened because the cancers were found too late to be cured. If colorectal cancer is found early enough, it can usually be cured by surgery.
What are the signs of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancers have no symptoms in the early stages.
Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp (say "pahl-ip"). At first, a polyp is a small, harmless growth in the wall of the colon. However, as a polyp gets larger, it can develop into a cancer that grows and spreads.
See your doctor if you have any of the following warning signs:
- Bleeding from your rectum
- Blood in your stool or in the toilet after you have a bowel movement
- A change in the shape of your stool
- Cramping pain in your lower stomach
- A feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one
Other conditions can cause these same symptoms. You should be checked by your doctor to find the reason for your symptoms.
Is it okay to live with rectal bleeding as long as the blood is bright red? Bright red blood means it's nothing serious, right?
Patients commonly say they "know their hemorrhoids are the problem" and that it's "nothing serious" because the blood they see is "bright red." Unfortunately, blood color is not a reliable indicator of the problem. Colon and rectal cancer, polyps, colitis and proctitis can all cause bright red rectal bleeding and are possibly life-threatening. All initial evaluations can be performed quickly and painlessly with minimal preparation.
Can't I just live with my hemorrhoids...they're not bad enough for me to go through painful surgery?
The majority of patients who suffer from hemorrhoids will never need surgery. CRSA offers many proven treatment options, including dietary and behavior modification that provide rapid and lasting relief. Should surgery become necessary, CRSA offers the Procedure for Prolapsing Hemorrhoids (PPH), which delivers excellent results for severe hemorrhoids with minimal recovery.
Do I need to be concerned about colorectal cancer screening if I am not 50 yet?
Age 50 is the latest that one should be screened for colorectal cancer. The age 50 recommendation is for people who do not have any problems whatsoever. If one has bleeding, a change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) or a relative with colorectal cancer, screening should be performed earlier. Additionally, patients with a personal history of cancer (breast or ovarian) or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) should receive an earlier screening. Colorectal cancer is preventable and early detection saves lives.
What is a Colon and Rectal Surgeon?
Colon and Rectal Surgeons receive Board Certification from both the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. They receive full General Surgical training and certification prior to specializing in Colon and Rectal Surgery. Colon and Rectal Surgeons are leaders in the development of minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery and are experts in the non-surgical (as well as surgical) treatment of hemorrhoids, anal pain, abscesses and cancer.
With two convenient locations on Long Island, New York, Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates of L.I., P.C. provides care for patients from Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. To make an appointment with a CRSA physician, please call our Great Neck office at (516) 487-8738 or our Huntington office at (631) 423-5070.
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