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Colorectal Cancer

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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. These can be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on the location. Most colorectal cancers begin as an abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, also known as a polyp. Polyps can change into cancer over time, but not all cases become cancerous. Colorectal cancer spreads when a polyp grows into the wall of the colon or rectum over time. The wall of the colon and rectum is formed by multiple layers, however, colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer and grows outward.

According to the American Cancer Society, if you exclude skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. However, due to early screening options and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer each year has dropped overall since the mid-1980s.

  • Our doctors and team members are experts at what they do
  • Our personalized treatment plans follow national guidelines
  • We deliver care with compassion, empathy and respect

What Are The Risk Factors For Colorectal Cancer?

It may be possible to avoid some risk factors for colorectal cancer, but some are out of your control. The best plan is to catch it early.

Lifestyle and hereditary factors include:

  • Drinking alcohol
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Not being physically active
  • Smoking
  • Diets high in red meats and processed meats
  • Low vitamin D levels
  • Personal history of colorectal polyps
  • Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
  • Inheriting certain gene changes (Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis)
  • Family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer Include:

  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
  • A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one
  • Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
  • Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
  • Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Low red blood cell count
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes

 

Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, or irritable bowel syndrome.

Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

It is very important to do a comprehensive colorectal cancer work-up to carefully evaluate the extent of the cancer.

  • Medical history and physical exam
  • Testing for blood in the stool
  • Routine blood tests
  • Blood tests for tumor markers
  • Colonoscopy
  • Proctoscopy
  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • Ultrasound
  • Chest x-ray
  • PET imaging
  • Angiography
  • Biopsy and molecular assessment
  • Familial genetic testing

 

Depending on the type and stage (severity) of the colorectal cancer, the following treatments may be necessary. At Oncologics, we use the most advanced therapies available to treat colorectal cancer. An individualized plan of care may include multiple types of treatments.

Treating Colorectal Cancer with Radiation

Radiation therapy uses powerful energy sources, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. It might be used to shrink a large cancer before an operation so that it can be removed more easily. When surgery isn’t an option, radiation therapy might be used to relieve symptoms, such as pain. Sometimes radiation is combined with chemotherapy. External beam radiation can treat the anal, rectal and colon cancer tumors. Treatments are scheduled Monday through Friday over the course of several weeks. In some cases, we can delivery higher doses of radiation in fewer treatments.

Your treatment is custom-tailored and unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Your radiation oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation) will review all available treatment options and recommend a personalized plan for you based on national guidelines, which guide all cancer treatments. Radiation therapy is used either alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Radiation can be delivered either from outside the body with a machine called a linear accelerator (external beam radiation) or from a radiation source implanted permanently or temporarily in the body (brachytherapy).

Why Choose OncoLogics for Colorectal Cancer Care?

At OncoLogics, we understand that colorectal cancer care requires a highly personalized and coordinated approach. Our experienced oncology team utilizes advanced radiation therapy and nationally guided treatment planning to help deliver precise, effective care tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and stage of disease. We are committed to providing compassionate support, clear communication and individualized treatment every step of the way.

  • Experienced oncology specialists focused on colorectal cancer treatment
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to your diagnosis and treatment goals
  • Advanced radiation therapy technology designed for precision and accuracy
  • Compassionate, patient-centered care throughout every stage of treatment
  • National guideline-based treatment recommendations and planning
  • Coordination with surgery, chemotherapy and additional specialists when needed