Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, impacting both men and women. On average, one in 22 men and one in 24 women have a risk of developing colorectal cancer throughout their lifetime – according to the American Cancer Society.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that is found in the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine. It usually starts in the inner lining of the colon or rectum as growth or polyp. Although not all become cancerous, polyps can turn into cancer overtime. Precancerous polyps are also known as adenomatous polyps or adenomas that are larger than 1 cm. If cancer forms in one of these polyps, it can grow over time into the wall of the colon or rectum, which is made up of several layers. If colorectal cancer begins in the innermost layer, it can grow and spread outward to some or all of the other layers. Once these cancer cells are in the wall, they can grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels, which can move to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, spreading the cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer due to certain risk factors, which include the following:

Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Personal history of cancer
Have Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Unhealthy diet
Inactivity and obesity
Cigarette smoking
Over the age of 50

Some risk factors you don’t have control over, but you can avoid unhealthy habits that put you at further risk. Try eating a healthier diet, being more active and quitting smoking to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer.

When to See a Doctor

In the beginning stages of colorectal cancer, there may be no signs of symptoms. However, over time the following symptoms may develop:

Changes in bowel movements: constipation, diarrhea or a change in the consistency of your stool
Frequent abdominal discomfort: cramps, gas, pain, feeling full or bloated
Rectal bleeding: bright or dark red blood in your stool
Nausea, vomiting and sudden weight loss
Weakness and fatigue

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact any one of our doctors at Southcoast Health. We may recommend a physical exam, blood tests, colonoscopy or more for a diagnosis of your symptoms.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings at Southcoast Health

At Southcoast Health, we offer colorectal cancer screenings to increase your chances of early detection. Our screenings can help find precancerous polyps, so that they can be surgically removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. Regular screenings can also help find colorectal cancer in the early stages, when treatments for this type of cancer work most effectively. Remember colorectal cancer generally has no symptoms, so please get a screening at one of our primary care locations southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island – especially if you have any risk factors or are over the age of 50. Schedule an appointment or contact us today for more information.

We are proud to serve our community as a not-for-profit health system and our region’s largest employer. By providing clinical excellence and compassionate care all over southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.