Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Screening

Overview

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Protecting one’s health is extremely important. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

Colorectal Cancer is a cancer of the large intestine (colon or rectum) located at the lower end of the digestive tract. The cancer begins as small, noncancerous (benign) cells forming inside the colon. Overtime, and if undetected, these cells in the colon or rectum can grow out of control and form a mass called cancerous tumor (malign) that can grow and spread through the body.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that in 2020 colorectal cancer was the third most diagnosed cancer type in the world, with almost 2 million new cases. This is even though effective screening techniques exist that could reduce the number of deaths from this disease.

Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 45 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.

Symptoms

Colorectal cancer symptoms depend on the size and location of the cancer. The symptoms of colorectal cancer can be subtle and do not necessarily make you feel sick. However, it's worth trying simple treatments for a short time to see if they get better. Most people with colorectal cancer have 1 of the following combinations of symptoms:

· A change in bowel habits such a diarrhea, constipation, skinny stool, or increased mucus in stool that last an unusual period

· Blood in stool

· Cramping or abdominal pain

· Weakness and/or fatigue

· Unexplained weight loss

· Feeling of full bowels even after going to the bathroom

Colorectal Tests

Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer, including some that you can do at home. Each test has advantages and disadvantages, and everyone may require a different type of test depending on their personal or family history.

The types of tests include:

· Stool tests: These are tests where you receive a test kit from your health care provider, in the comfort of your home you use a stick/brush to obtain a small amount of stool. You return the test kit to the doctor/lab.

o The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. It is also done once a year in the same way as a gFOBT.

o If any abnormalities are found in these tests a colonoscopy is recommended

As an example, here at Tepeyac Community Health Center, we would offer you a fit test*

*The following test is just one of the many options patients have for screening for Colorectal Cancer. This is not an endorsement by Tepeyac Community Health Center.

· Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: For this test, the doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum. The doctor checks for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon. How often: Every 5 years, or every 10 years with a FIT every year.

· Colonoscopy: This is like flexible sigmoidoscopy, except the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Colonoscopy also is used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. How often: Every 10 years (for people who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer).

Each test has advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each test, and how often to be tested. Which test to use depends on:

Your preferences.
Your medical condition.
Your personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
If you have a genetic syndrome.
The likelihood that you will get the test.
The resources available for testing and follow-up.

Patients need to know the difference between subtle symptoms of other less threatening bowel related disorders and when symptoms are a sign of a more serious condition. Both diagnoses require medical expertise from trained and experienced colorectal cancer medical providers.

Our medical providers at Tepeyac Community Health Center can help. Set up your appointment today.

Resources: Mayo Clinic - NHS.uk