Colorectal Cancer
Our cancer specialists are experienced in treating colorectal cancer, which develops when cells start to grow out of control in the colon or rectum.
Each year, more than 150,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). After skin cancer, it’s the third most common cancer in both men and women.
At North Kansas City Hospital Cancer Center, our gastroenterologists and cancer doctors understand the complexities of colorectal cancer. We not only help diagnose and treat the disease, but we also work to prevent colorectal cancer and diagnose it early — before it has the chance to spread.
Types of Colorectal Cancer
The most common type of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells found in the mucus that lubricates the inside of the colon and rectum.
Other, less common, types of colorectal cancer include:
- Carcinoid tumors, which start in the intestine
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, which develop in the colon wall
- Lymphomas, which mostly start in the lymph nodes but can develop in other organs
- Sarcomas, which start in blood vessels, muscle layers and other tissues of the colon and rectum walls
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Researchers have identified several risk factors that could raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Still, it’s important to remember that having a risk factor for the disease doesn’t mean you’ll develop it. It just means your risk is greater.
Understanding the risk factors for colorectal cancer can help you modify the ones you can. These so-called lifestyle-related risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking alcohol
- Following certain types of diets, such as those high in red meats
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
Other risk factors for colorectal cancer that you can’t change include:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- A past cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery)
- A personal history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Certain inherited syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Gender, with men having a higher risk of dying from the disease
- Older age, with most cancers developing in people over age 50
- Past radiation to the abdomen or pelvic region
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Screening for colorectal cancer is critical because most cancers develop from precancerous polyps (small, abnormal tissue growths) that turn into tumors after a number of years.
Our gastroenterologists recommend most people at low risk of developing colorectal cancer get a colonoscopy — a procedure that lets a doctor examine the inside of the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer — starting at age 45, or age 40 for African Americans.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, they recommend you get your first colonoscopy 10 years before the age your family member was when diagnosed with cancer. And, they recommend talking to your doctor to determine an ongoing colonoscopy schedule that best fits your risk.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer doesn’t typically cause symptoms right away. Still, some signs of colorectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
Diagnostic Tests for Colorectal Cancer
Your doctor will likely recommend several tests to diagnose colorectal cancer and gather information about the disease.
Colorectal cancer diagnostic tests may include:
- Biopsy: Biopsies are used to diagnose cancer. Our of our radiologists or surgeons will remove a small piece of tissue to determine if it’s cancerous.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may use a complete blood count (CBC) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test to monitor your cancer.
- Colonoscopy: A gastroenterologist looks inside the entire colon and rectum during this procedure using a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a light and small video camera on the end.
- Imaging tests: Your doctor will likely order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to look at suspicious areas, determine if cancer has spread and determine the effectiveness of treatment.
- Molecular testing: Your doctor may use this testing to look for specific genes and protein changes, which can help guide targeted treatment.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options
Your doctor will talk to you about your treatment options based on your specific cancer type and stage, as well as your goals for treatment.
Treatments for colorectal cancer include:
- Chemotherapy, which is often used at different times during colorectal cancer treatment to kill cancerous cells
- Immunotherapy, which stimulates an immune response to help fight disease
- Radiation therapy, which may be given before or after colorectal cancer surgery
- Surgery, which is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer
- Targeted therapy, which targets proteins to control how cancer cells grow, divide and spread