Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. Yet, with regular screenings, this form of cancer is highly preventable.
Many people hesitate seeing a colorectal specialist out of fear or embarrassment. But symptoms such as bleeding, pain or change in bowel habits should never be ignored.
Approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 50,000 people will die from the disease. Incorrectly thought of as being a “man’s disease,” almost half of these deaths will be women. The particular tragedy of this is that no one should have to suffer from colorectal cancer.
Screening Methods
There are several acceptable screening methods to detect the disease. A Fecal Occult Blood Test can detect hidden blood in the stool. Using a flexible sigmoidoscope, a visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon can be performed in the doctor’s office. But the preferred method by far is still the colonoscopy, because it allows for removal of polyps as part of the procedure.
A polyp is a growth of abnormal cells that begin in the lining of the colon. Removing them is important because almost all colorectal cancers begin as benign, non-cancerous polyps. Polyp removal during a colonoscopy is a way that patients and physicians may take a proactive approach to defeating colorectal cancer.
The colonoscopy procedure itself is very short, taking just 20 minutes. Patients are given intravenous medication that minimizes discomfort and, in fact, most remember little or nothing of the procedure.
Some people inquire about virtual colonoscopies. Generally reserved for patients who have had unsuccessful colonoscopies, a virtual colonoscopy employs CT technology to perform a radiographic examination of the colon. As with a colonoscopy, a prior colon cleansing is required.
The virtual colonoscopy entails the insertion of a rectal catheter and air insufflation without sedation. Should polyps be identified, the patient must still undergo a colonoscopy for their removal. Currently, virtual colonoscopies are not covered by insurance companies as a routine screening exam.
Surgical Advances
When colorectal cancer is detected, surgery is almost always required, sometimes in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy. Most patients will not require a colostomy. Minimally invasive laparoscopy has had a great impact in the field of colorectal surgery. Patients benefit from less pain, smaller incisions, and generally a faster recovery than those who have traditional operations.
Newer techniques employed by colorectal surgeons to treat lower rectal cancers can often save the sphincters of patients who would have needed permanent colostomies in the past. While robotic surgery has begun to have some impact in the treatment of rectal cancer, recovery times and incision sizes are not yet improved using this method over the standard laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Heed Your Risk Factors
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. By age 50, all men and women are at risk. Certain other factors may lower the at-risk age.
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease should be screened before age 50.
When detected and treated early, between 80 and 90 percent of colon cancer patients recovery fully. But diagnosed in the later stages, the cure rate drops to 50 percent or less.
In the fight against colorectal cancer, knowledge truly is power. Regular screenings give every one of us the ability to help eliminate this very preventable disease.
Scott A. Brill, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is an independent board-certified colon and rectal surgeon who chooses to practice at the Franciscan St. James Center for Colon and Rectal Surgery in Olympia Fields. Franciscan St. James Health is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.
