delray-medical-center-header-logo-1

What you need to know about colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer. Those are two words no one wants to hear. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States with nearly 102,480 new cases of the disease diagnosed in 2013. Fortunately, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping over for more than 20 years due to early screenings and improved treatments.

Undergoing testing to diagnose colorectal cancer may be necessary because of abnormal results from a screening exam or if there are symptoms of the disease, such as a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, weakness, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

Diagnosis may begin with a complete medical history and physical examination. Endoscopic tests to check for colorectal polyps also may be necessary, including a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy (procedures used to see inside the colon and rectum), and imaging tests such as a barium enema, double contrast barium enema or virtual colonoscopy. A biopsy is done on any abnormal-looking tissues that are removed during a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Other imaging tests may be required to determine if a suspicious area is cancerous, learn if the cancer has spread or find out if treatment has been effective. These tests include computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and angiography.

Once colorectal cancer had been diagnosed, treatment will be determined based on the stage and type of cancer, how far it has spread, overall health, side effects of treatment and long-term prognosis. Surgery usually is recommended for early stage colon cancer. The procedure calls for the removal of part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes. Some stage 0 or early stage 1 tumors can be taken out by removing the base of the polyp or the superficial cancer and a small margin of surrounding tissue.

Colorectal cancer also may be treated with three different types of radiation therapy, which use high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.

  • External-beam radiation therapy focuses radiation on the cancer from outside the body;
  • Endocavitary radiation therapy delivers radiation through a hand-held device placed into the anus; and
  • Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) involves placing small pellets of radioactive material next to or directly into the cancer.

Chemotherapy, which involves administering drugs either into a vein or orally, can be part of a colorectal cancer treatment plan as well. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be given along with radiation before surgery to try to shrink some rectal cancers. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery in case the cancer returns.

It is important to discuss potential side effects of treatment with your doctor. Most side effects should decrease after treatment, but steps can be taken to reduce or relieve them.

For more information about diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer, talk with your doctor or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.

Register for a Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Kit

By submitting this form you agree to receive periodic health-related information and updates. We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. We cannot give you medical advice via e - mail. To discuss any medical symptoms or conditions contact your physician or other healthcare professional. In the case of emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Information on this page is secure. We value your privacy.

More Information

Get Skin Smart: Protect Yourself from the Sun

Whether it’s a brisk walk, taking in an outdoor concert, hosting a cook-out, playing a round of golf, gardening, or building a sandcastle, we all like to spend time outside in warmer months. So how do we protect ourselves and our families from the sun and its harmful UV rays? And is it really necessary?

Skin cancer, which is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Another key fact, according to the American Cancer Society: more skin cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.  Those who spend a lot of time in the sun and are exposed to UV rays are at greatest risk. There is good news, though. Prevention and early detection can help fight skin cancer and minimize the sun’s damaging effects.

Here are some important tips and proactive steps to protect you and your family:

  1. Seek shade - especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV light is the strongest.
  2. Use the “shadow” test to determine if the sun’s rays are strongest. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the rays are at their peak. Take cover!
  3. When outside, wear protective clothing to cover your skin. Keep in mind that if you can see light through it, it isn’t protecting against the UV rays.
  4. Use broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Broad spectrum means it has been tested to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Without that label, it cannot claim to protect against skin cancer. Also, read the water-resistant protection time on the label (showing either 40 or 80 minutes) indicating the estimated time between applications.
  5. Apply sunscreen properly and generously to face, ears, neck, arms and any other exposed skin. The recommended amount is about an ounce, which is equal to a palm-full, for each area.
  6. Wear a wide-brim hat (with a 2- to 3-inch brim), preferably with a dark, non-reflective underside of the brim to help against rays reflecting from water and other surfaces.
  7. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays – ideally ones that block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays. If they are not labeled with the UV protection level, don’t assume there’s any.
  8. Children should wear real, UV protective sunglasses– not toy ones.
  9. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps – tanning beds give out a UVA and usually UVB rays as well, which may contribute to skin cancer and long-term skin damage. If you like looking tan, you might try a self-tanning product.
  10. Protect children – cover them, use sunscreen on them every time they go outdoors, and limit their exposure to large amounts of sunlight.
  11. Babies younger than 6 months – keep them out of direct sunlight, protect them with hats and clothing, and use sunscreen when shade or protective clothing are not available.

If you’re concerned about previous exposure to the sun, get checked by a doctor who specializes in dermatology and skin cancer. Also, if you notice any moles or skin irritations that have changed in color, size or shape, have it looked at promptly. Early detection is your second best defense against skin cancer and increases your chances for a better outcome.

So as the summer approaches, now is the time to develop good-skin habits by planning ahead, being prepared with protective wear and sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. While you’re at it, to look and feel your best, drink lots of water, limit alcohol intake, get plenty of rest, manage the stress in your life, and don’t use tobacco products. Your radiant skin will thank you.

Find a Colorectal Surgeon

Don't wait another day to receive the quality cancer care you deserve.
Use our Physician Finder

Oncology Services