Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know

Colorectal cancer ranks as the third deadliest cancer for both men and women. This stark statistic emphasizes the critical need for regular screenings. As with all types of cancer, early detection plays a vital role in successfully combating the disease. Understanding the signs and symptoms, as well as the screening methods for colorectal cancer, is essential for timely action. Below, we outline the common indicators of colorectal cancer and the procedures employed by medical professionals to screen for this serious condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or any noticeable change in your stool that lasts more than a few days

Rectal bleeding or the presence of blood in your stool

A sensation of needing to have a bowel movement, yet feeling unrelieved after doing so

Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping, or gas that does not seem to subside

Unexplained weakness and fatigue that may affect your daily activities

Unintentional weight loss without efforts to diet or exercise

These symptoms can often be mistaken for other health issues such as a virus, infection, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. Due to this possibility, it is crucial to consult your doctor if these symptoms persist. Early diagnosis and intervention can help rule out less serious conditions.

In many cases, colorectal cancer develops without any early noticeable symptoms. The signs and symptoms may differ based on the location of the cancer within the colon. Individuals over the age of 50 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer should pay particular attention to their health and consult with a healthcare professional about appropriate screenings.

Tests for Colorectal Cancer

When you present symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, your doctor will begin by taking a comprehensive family history. They will also perform a physical examination, palpating your abdomen to check for any abnormalities or masses. Your doctor may order several blood tests to gain insight into your condition. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can help identify anemia, while liver enzyme tests can assess liver function since colorectal cancer may spread to the liver. Tumor markers may also be measured in individuals with a history of colorectal cancer.

If symptoms or test results indicate a possible cancer diagnosis, further testing will be necessary. A colonoscopy is typically the standard procedure but may also include sigmoidoscopy or imaging tests that use a barium enema and lower gastrointestinal series. These tests assist doctors in identifying polyps and other abnormalities in the colon.

During a colonoscopy, if cancer is suspected, the doctor will perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample for further examination under a microscope. In rare situations, a section of the colon might need to be surgically removed to confirm the diagnosis.

In addition to these tests, imaging techniques such as a CT scan may be employed. This scan is particularly useful for determining whether colorectal cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver, by providing detailed images of soft tissues.

An ultrasound may also be performed to identify tumors; however, it is generally limited to detecting tumors in the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. To visualize tumors within the colon, an endorectal ultrasound may be recommended, where a specialized transducer is inserted into the rectum. This method allows for a closer look at the rectal wall and nearby lymph nodes and organs to assess the extent of cancer spread.

For individuals without symptoms but who are of a certain age or have a family history of colorectal cancer, screening tests are available. These tests can identify both colorectal polyps and cancer. Detecting polyps early allows for their removal during the screening process, reducing the likelihood of developing cancer. Less invasive screening methods like stool tests can also be utilized, although they do not effectively identify polyps.

The colonoscopy remains the most common and effective test for screening both polyps and cancer. However, CT scans and barium enemas are also valuable screening options.

For specific cancer screening, the Fecal Occult Blood Test is useful. This test screens stool samples for hidden blood that is not visible to the naked eye. If blood is detected, a colonoscopy will be necessary to investigate further and determine the presence of cancer.