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Colorectal Cancers
Colon cancer is cancer of the colon (large intestine), and rectal cancer is cancer of the rectum (the last several inches of the colon). Together, these two diseases are typically referred to as colorectal cancers.
In most cases, colon cancer is the result of benign polyps that become cancerous over time. Regular screenings are recommended as a preventative measure against colon cancer to identify polyps early.
What are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
Factors that may increase the risk for developing colorectal cancers include:
- A personal history of colorectal cancers or polyps. If a patient had a colorectal cancer or polyps in the past, there is an increased risk for developing one of the colorectal cancers in the future.
- A sedentary lifestyle. Lack of activity can increase risk.
- Age. Most patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are 50 years of age and older. The disease occurs less frequently in younger patients.
- Alcohol. Heavily consuming alcohol may increase a patient’s risk.
- Diabetes. Patients with diabetes and insulin resistance (IR) have an increased risk
- Diet. A low-fiber, high-fat diet may be associated with developing colorectal cancers.
- Family history of colorectal cancers and polyps. Patients with a parent, sibling or child with one of the diseases may also be a risk. The risk becomes greater when more than one family member has had it.
- Genetic syndromes. Certain genetic syndromes, such as adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (also known as Lynch syndrome) can escalate risk *
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, may also increase risk.
- Obesity. Patients who are obese not only have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancers but of dying of them as well.
- Race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colorectal cancers than other races
- Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy for other cancers of the abdomen may increase a patient’s chances of developing colorectal cancers.
- Smoking. Patients who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop colorectal cancers than those who do not.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings in New Jersey
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are the gold standard of the screenings for colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a flexible scope with a camera and light at the end to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find, remove, and take samples of any polyps that may be present. A colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other types of colorectal screening tests. American Cancer Society now recommends screening at 45 years old and then every 10 years, unless instructed more often by a doctor.
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
Computed tomography (CT) colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon. Doctors view these images on a computer screen to analyze more closely. The goal of screening with CT colonography is to find polyps in their early stages before cancer has a chance to develop. If a polyp is found by a CT Colonography exam the patient would need a colonoscopy to remove it.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is similar to, but not the same as, a colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel. For this test, the doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon. It is an alternative option, but not as good as colonoscopy, as it may miss up to 40% of colon cancers.
Stool Tests
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) use the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. For this test, you will receive a test kit from your healthcare provider containing a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool with. You then return the test kit to the doctor or a lab, where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood. Guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests are a very easy way of checking and monitoring a healthy digestive tract.
What are the Treatments for Colorectal Cancers?
Treatments for these conditions largely depend on what stage the cancers are in. They may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your gastroenterologist can recommend a surgeon if further action needs to be taken.
Meet Our Doctors
Our Gastroenterology Centers in NJ
Hillsborough, NJ
511 Courtyard Drive Bldg. 500
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Somerville, NJ
Warren, NJ
31 Mountain Boulevard Suite H
Warren, NJ 07059
Recent Blogs
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety […]
What is Colorectal Cancer? At Digestive Healthcare Center, our team of expert gastroenterologists strives to ensure that patients have all the information they need to promote long term digestive health. In the case of certain gastroenterological conditions such as colorectal cancer, screening is incredibly important. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. […]
What is Gastroparesis? At Digestive Healthcare Center, we want to ensure that patients have information about an array of digestive health conditions, to promote positive gastrointestinal health year-round. One such condition is gastroparesis, which is a digestive condition that affects the motility of the muscles in your stomach. Normally, after you swallow, the muscles within […]
Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer in NJ
If you have any questions about your need for colorectal cancer screening, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or doctor’s office staff about it. Please consult a doctor for any medical advice you may need. We encourage you to contact us today to learn more about digestive health conditions or to schedule an appointment at one our three gastroenterology centers in NJ.