What is Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer arises from the lining of the colon or rectum. It often begins as a benign polyp that gradually transforms into cancer over many years. Regular screening allows physicians to detect and remove polyps before they become malignant, dramatically reducing cancer risk.

Risk Factors

• Age 45 or older (earlier for those with risk factors).
• Family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Inherited syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
• Obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.

Symptoms

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
• Unexplained iron‑deficiency anemia.
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping.
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool).
• Unintentional weight loss or fatigue.

Screening and Diagnosis

• Colonoscopy: The gold standard for screening; it allows detection and removal of precancerous polyps and diagnosis of early cancers.
• Stool tests: Fecal immunochemical test (FIT), stool DNA tests (such as Cologuard), and fecal occult blood tests can identify hidden blood or DNA changes. Positive results require colonoscopy.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography: Alternative options when colonoscopy is not feasible.

Most adults of average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Those with higher risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screening.

Treatment

• Surgical resection to remove the cancerous portion of the colon or rectum along with nearby lymph nodes.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy to reduce recurrence risk in stage II or III cancer.
• Radiation therapy for rectal cancer.
• Targeted and immunotherapies for advanced or metastatic disease.

Our multidisciplinary team collaborates with surgeons and oncologists to provide comprehensive colorectal cancer care, from screening and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.