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.

Symptoms and Early Signs of Breast Cancer

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can begin in any of the three main parts of a breast—the lobules, ducts or connective tissue. The lobules are the milk-producing gland in the breast while the ducts are the pathways that help carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue is a fibrous and fatty tissue that holds everything together. It is said to have metastasized when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Women over 50 are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, but it can affect younger women as well. Although men can develop breast cancer too, it’s much rarer but is just as serious as the breast cancer women are diagnosed with.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Some breast changes can be felt, but most can be detected only with the use of imaging procedures, such as a mammogram, MRI or ultrasound. That’s why it’s important to do breast-self exams to help you learn how your breasts normally feel. This way it would be easier for you to notice and find changes. However, breast self-exams are not a substitute for mammograms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:

New lump in the breast or underarm
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Irritation, itching or dimpling of breast skin
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
Any change in the size of the shape of the breast
Pain in any area of the breast

What Do Lumps in My Breast Mean?

Lumps come in different shapes and sizes. Although lumps may point to cancer, many other conditions can cause lumps in the breast. Note that normal breast tissue can sometimes feel lumpy too. Some of the conditions that cause breast lumps are fibrocystic breasts and cysts.

How Can I Reduce My Risk?

While there are risk factors you can’t control, such as getting older or genetics, subscribing to a healthy lifestyle and taking preventive measures can help lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

Obesity and alcohol misuse increase your risk for developing breast cancer. Go for a nutrient-dense diet, exercise as often as possible and limit intake of alcoholic drinks.
Regular mammograms may not prevent breast cancer, but early is key in breast cancer detection. Consider having annual screenings by the time you reach the age of 40 or based on the recommendations of your doctor.
If you’re taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, ask your doctor about the risks and other possible alternatives.
Breastfeed your children, if possible.
Having a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can significantly raise your risk. Discuss your diagnostic and preventive treatment options with your doctor.

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can save lives. Don’t delay care. We have precautions in place to ensure your safety so you can stay on top of your breast health. We are here for you.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
Healthline

Find a Colorectal Surgeon

Don't wait another day to receive the quality cancer care you deserve.

Use our Physician Finder