Colorectal cancer

You are at greater odds of developing colorectal cancer if you:

• Are an active tobacco user
• Are Black or of Eastern European descent
• Are older than 60 years old
• Are overweight or obese
• Drink more than one drink a day
• Eat a diet high in red meat and low in fiber
• Get less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer
• Have an inherited syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Have Type 2 diabetes

In most situations, colorectal cancer can occur in adults without any detectable symptoms. This makes screening and diagnosis even more critical to your health and well-being. You should speak with your doctor if you're experiencing symptoms that include:

• Any major change in bowel habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Feeling bowels do not totally empty
• Frequent gas pain or bloating
• General abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• New onset anemia
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Red, black or tarry blood in stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Unexplained weight loss

If you're at increased risk, present symptoms or have a certain preexisting condition — such as Cowden syndrome, FAP, juvenile polyposis coli, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or Turcot syndrome — you should get screened for colorectal cancer.

Prevention and early detection are your best possible defenses against colon cancer, which is considered to be one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. Starting at 45 years old, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends undergoing a colorectal cancer screening. After an initial screening, we suggest getting a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. We can also perform alternative tests based on your risk, so you should talk with your primary physician about your options.

Colonoscopy

The most common and effective way to screen for colorectal cancer is through a colonoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera into the rectum.

This allows your doctor to gain a detailed view of the colon and catch any signs of cancer as early as possible. A colonoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes, and we typically provide you with a moderate sedative.

Additional colorectal cancer screening tools

In addition to a colonoscopy, we can perform screenings that include:

• Barium enema with contrast (double-contrast barium enema)
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Stool DNA (typically every three years)

To us, treating cancer is a collaborative process. Just as our oncologists and specialists work with one another, we unite with you to make you feel comfortable, confident and optimistic about the road ahead.

Together, we will build a tailored treatment plan that offers the best possible medical outcome and works for you and your family.

This may include:

• Infusion therapy, including chemotherapy
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.