Colorectal cancer

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. Over time some of these polyps may become colon cancer. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, we recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous. If cancer is detected, our doctors provide high-quality gastrointestinal (GI) care and cancer care to patients.

Some patients do report experiencing early symptoms, including:

• Abdominal bloating, cramps or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• Weakness or fatigue

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute recommends consulting your physician if you are 45 years old or older to determine the right screening test for you. Evidence-based options may include colonoscopy at 10-year intervals or a fecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT) annually.

Your doctor may conduct one or more of the following tests to screen for colon cancer.

• Biopsy — A biopsy allows the doctor to remove a tissue sample, which is then sent to a pathologist for examination.
• Colonoscopy — One of the most common routine screening options to detect colon cancer, a colonoscopy is used to examine the bowel’s interior surface for abnormalities, such as polyps.
• Digital rectal exam — This exam checks the rectum for lumps or abnormalities. About half of colon cancers can be detected with this technique.
• Fecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT) — Blood in the stool (bowel movement) can indicate colorectal cancer. It’s sometimes hidden or not visible to the naked eye. Stool may contain blood for many reasons. It does not always mean colorectal cancer.
• Virtual colonoscopy — A virtual colonoscopy is a type of computerized tomography (CT) scan. It uses computer software along with CT imaging to examine the colon for polyps.

Colorectal cancer risk factors

Talk to your doctor about more frequent testing if you have any of these colorectal cancer risk factors:

• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• A diet high in red meat and low in produce
• Being overweight or obese
• Drinking more than one drink a day (women) or two drinks a day (men)
• Having an inherited syndrome (such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome)
• Having Type 2 diabetes
• Getting less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day
• Smoking

Our team of doctors, nurses, surgeons and healthcare professionals will work together to create an individualized treatment plan to fit your unique needs. This may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Cryosurgery
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation

Colorectal cancer surgery

Surgery is the most common type of treatment for colorectal cancer for stages 0 to 3, as well as stage 4 if the tumor is blocking the bowel. A colon resection, or colectomy, is a procedure where the surgeon removes part or all of the colon and then reconnects the colon.

Other surgical treatments may include a polypectomy, which is a procedure to remove colon polyps. Or, your doctor may also suggest a colostomy. A colostomy is a procedure where one end of the colon is surgically inserted through the abdominal wall to create an opening in the skin. A pouch is then attached to the opening to collect feces.

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery

Our board-certified colorectal surgeons are specially trained to use advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical procedures. Our surgeons use these methods, when possible, to provide benefits to the patient including faster healing and reduced scarring.

We also offer options for robot-assisted surgery, a type of minimally invasive surgery. This technique combines computerized imaging with miniaturized surgical tools to complete complex procedures.

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.