Colon cancer symptoms are hard to spot. Regular screenings from AHN specialists can make all the difference.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, rates are rising in the U.S. It is the third most common cancer diagnosis in men and women and is the second leading cause of death. This can feel scary and overwhelming, but when you have the appropriate screening and care team, it can make all the difference in colon cancer treatment.
AHN colon cancer specialists are not only highly skilled in treating the disease, but also compassionate and focused on providing personalized care for each specific diagnosis.
If you are at high risk for colon cancer, being aware of health changes and having a colon cancer screening is crucial. If you notice any changes or are having any health concerns — including the seven signs of colon cancer — speak with your health care provider immediately.
Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence
The AHN Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence offers some of the newest and most groundbreaking care for the diagnosis and treatment of colon, rectal, and anal cancer. As a nationally certified Rectal Cancer Center of Excellence through the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), we create individualized care plans for each patient.
Our expert health care professionals include a carefully coordinated team including:
- Surgical subspecialists.
- Medical and radiation oncologists.
- Radiologists.
- Pathologists.
- Geneticists.
Quick guide to colon cancer
Colon cancer symptoms
Colon cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages.
While early colon cancer often has no symptoms, as it progresses, it can cause a variety of noticeable changes in your body. It's important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, if you experience any of these, especially if they persist or worsen, it's crucial to consult a doctor. Some refer to the following symptoms as the seven signs of colon cancer.
As the cancer grows, colon cancer symptoms may include:
- Changes in bowel habits including diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool.
- Blood in your stool.
- Abdominal discomfort: pain, gas, bloating, or cramps.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count).
Having regular preventive care and open conversations with your doctor about your health and any changes — big or small — is a great way to spot any potential health issues earlier.
Colon cancer risk factors
Given the uptick in colon cancer diagnoses, more people are asking what causes colon cancer.
There are heredity risk factors associated with colon cancer, as well as lifestyle choices that can increase the chance of a colon cancer diagnosis.
Your risk of colon cancer increases if you:
- Are overweight.
- Do not regularly exercise.
- Are over 50.
- Have a family history of colon cancer.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and/or ulcerative colitis.
- Eat a diet high in red and processed meat.
- Frequently drink alcohol.
- Have diabetes.
If you have questions about how to reduce your risk of colon cancer or want help making lifestyle changes, talking with your AHN provider is the best place to start.
Colon cancer screening
Age-appropriate and regular colon cancer screenings are a critical part of not only early detection, but also increased survival rates. There are different screening methods available, and your doctor will determine which one is right for you. Your AHN care team is committed to personalized care that meets your needs.
A screening may include a physical exam where your doctor discusses any symptoms you have or are experiencing, and diagnostic tests may also be necessary.
Knowing your risk and having regular screenings can provide peace of mind and allow you to take proactive steps for your health.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon to examine the entire colon and rectum, including the anus, for any abnormalities. An anoscopy is another procedure that’s sometimes used to screen for other cancers and is used to examine just a portion of the anal canal and lower rectum.
Talking with your doctor about your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle will help your provider determine what screening you will need and when.
No buts: Book a colonoscopy
Colon cancer diagnosis
A colon cancer diagnosis can bring up a lot of questions and fears. At AHN, we see you and your unique situation — taking the time to listen and learn about what concerns you have.
Our colorectal specialists and surgeons have dedicated their lives to the understanding and treating colon cancer. Our minimally invasive, thorough procedures to detect, find, and treat colon cancer use innovative and pioneering technology that enable preserving as much of the colon and bowel function as possible.
Imaging
Cancer imaging is a crucial tool used against the disease. It allows doctors to visualize tumors, assess their size and location, and monitor treatment response, all while minimizing invasive procedures. This technology uses diverse imaging modes, each with its unique features, to provide a comprehensive picture of the disease.
Some of the imaging used in a colon cancer diagnosis may include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan can help determine if the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, organs, or other areas of the body. The information can help your care team decide the treatment plan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI can provide a valuable role in colon cancer diagnosis and management. With an MRI, the cancer stage can be better determined, treatment planning is more detailed because images can help radiation oncologists understand the tumor better, and your care team can use the images to monitor treatment response and any tumor recurrence.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Similar to an MRI, a PET scan gives detailed images that inform your care team on the cancer stage and treatment planning. A pet scan can also detect areas of increased metabolic activity that are often associated with cancer cells.
Biopsy
During a colonoscopy, we may discover a polyp (a mass of cells that can be precancerous). If that is the case, a biopsy is performed to determine if cancer is or is not present. A biopsy is done by a physician guiding a small wire into the colon to remove the polyp. Then, a pathologist — a highly specialized doctor — examines the cells under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous.
Learn how early detection helped Kurt.
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Types and stages of colon cancer
At AHN, we want you to feel informed so you can talk with your care team about any upcoming procedures or treatments. When you have access to the right information, you can feel more prepared and assured that your care team is working with you and that your treatment plan is personalized to your needs.
These are the stages of colon cancer. Knowing these can help you understand your treatment plan.
- Stage 0: This is the earliest stage of colon cancer, where abnormal cells are found only in the lining of the colon or rectum. It is considered noninvasive and has a high cure rate with early treatment.
- Stage I: The cancer has grown into the inner layer of the bowel wall but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to the outer layer of the bowel wall or to nearby organs but not to distant organs.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. This is the most advanced stage and has a poorer prognosis.
Colon cancer treatment
A colon cancer diagnosis comes with choices, but know you never have to make them on your own. Your AHN care team, made up of compassionate and skilled practitioners, will review all your treatment options and talk with you about what’s best for you and you alone.
Treatment may include surgery, and, if that is the case, we are here to help you understand what that entails.
Colon cancer surgery
Colon cancer surgery at AHN includes the latest and most minimally invasive techniques available. Your surgeon has specialized training in operating on colon cancer tumors.
We are committed to preserving as much of the rectum and bowel function as possible. Our advanced surgical options include:
- Polypectomy: A polypectomy is a surgical procedure to remove polyps, which are small, abnormal growths that can develop in various parts of the body, most commonly in the colon and rectum.
- Colectomy (or colon resection): To remove cancerous tumors, a colectomy is a surgery performed that removes all or part of the colon.
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgery: This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera to perform surgery, often resulting in faster recovery.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection: Sometimes called an EMR, this minimally invasive procedure is used to remove abnormal tissue, like polyps or early-stage cancer, from the digestive tract lining endoscopically.
- Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS): TEMS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat certain types of rectal cancer. TAMIS is a similar, minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to treat rectal cancer, polyps, and other benign growths.
- Sphincter-preservation surgery: Sphincter-preservation surgery is a type of surgical procedure for rectal cancer that aims to preserve the anal sphincter muscles, which are responsible for controlling bowel movements. This is a crucial goal because preserving sphincter function helps patients maintain bowel control after surgery.
Medical oncology for colon cancer
We sometimes combine medical oncology treatments with surgery to get the most effective results. In some cases, you may have these treatments before surgery. We may also use these medications after surgery to reduce the chance of any cancer cells remaining in your body.
Our advanced medical oncology therapies include:
- Chemotherapy: Using chemotherapy, your medical oncologist will administer drugs to target the cancer cells and reduce their ability to grow. This approach will be tailored to the specific patient and the stage of their cancer.
- Targeted therapy: This is a relatively new way to treat anal cancer. Targeted therapy focuses on specific rapidly dividing cancer cells to block the signals that tell the cancer to grow.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by either boosting the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, or by blocking specific proteins on cancer cells that help them evade the immune system, allowing the body's natural defenses to fight the disease.
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): HIPEC is a specialized cancer treatment that combines heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity. It's used primarily for cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal carcinomatosis).
Rehabilitation after colon cancer treatment
Your post-surgery rehabilitation is an important part of your treatment and recovery plan. AHN uses a whole-body health approach that ensures your physical and emotional recovery is included. Managing side effects, improving health outcomes, and regaining strength are part of each care plan, but it is all personalized to your needs.
Life after surgery
With minimally invasive procedures and innovative surgical techniques, AHN works with you so you can return to your life as soon as possible. Your care team will be with you to help you adjust to life after surgery.
Through our Healthcare @ Home service, you can access specialized oncology rehab services in your own home, if needed.
Learn more about our rehabilitation program.
The team assisting your complete rehabilitation includes:
- Anesthesiologists.
- Pain management specialists.
- Infection control specialists.
- Physical therapists.
- Nutritionists.
- Ostomy nurses.
Contact us
Call the AHN Cancer Help Line anytime at (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 to schedule a cancer-related appointment or to just talk with our nurses about diagnoses, treatments, and side effects.
Schedule a colonoscopy
Brief overview of the importance of regular screenings to catch cancer early at one of our five locations where this is available.
Referral to oncology
If you’ve received a referral to schedule with medical oncology, radiation oncology, or colorectal surgery, call (412) 578-HOPE (412) 578-4673 to connect with a nurse navigator and schedule an appointment.
Second opinions
If you have cancer, you have a team of oncology specialists ready to review your medical records and offer you a second opinion. After completing their review, they’ll talk with you about your goals to determine a course of treatment that’s right for you. To get started, fill out our Second Opinion Request form. A nurse navigator will contact you within the next 24 to 48 hours to discuss next steps and schedule.
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