Cancer of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in men and the fourth in women. While this form of cancer is often very treatable, you need to know when you are at a high risk so you can take preventative measures.
Understanding the Colon
The colon is a component of the digestive system. It is a long, tube-line organ where waste product is stored after your body has removed the nutrients from it. At the end of the colon is the rectum, next to the anus. This muscular tube, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, is a very important component to digestion.
Tumors of the colon and rectum are common. They often occur on the inner wall of the colon. Many are benign tumors called polyps. However, malignant tumors can also occur here. These are cancerous tumors.
Benign tumors don’t spread. They do not impact other tissue in the body. And, when having a colonoscopy, your doctor can easily remove them. These are not life threatening to you. If these are not removed, though, they can become malignant. In fact, most tumors that are malignant in the colon are believed to begin as polyps.
When cancer is present in this area, it can invade and damage the organs and tissues surrounding the colon. They can break away from these tumors and spread to other parts of your body including the lungs and liver. Then, new tumors can form in these areas. Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, can metastasize, or spread, throughout the body. When this happens, it is difficult for treatment to cure the cancer.
Though colon cancer is not uncommon, it is still one of the most important conditions to have treated. We know that colorectal cancer is less common in some areas. It is less common in Asia and Africa. It is most common in Western countries. Western diets are thought to be a key reason people develop this condition.
Colorectal Cancer – How It Happens and How to Detect It
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It typically begins as a small benign growth called a Polyp.
Polyps are formed when a stem cell within a crypt of a colon develops into a cancerous cell, often due to a mutation and a tumor suppressant gene APC.
This cancerous cell migrates upward and begins dividing creating a Polyp. Some Polyps will develop into an Adenoma which is a large benign growth.
This is commonly due to a k-ras gene mutation that activates the k-ras onco gene. To supply the enlarging mass, angiogenesis occurs.
Cancerous cells can become resistant to apoptosis, frequently caused by the loss of tumor protein PF3 function, meaning more cells are diving than dying. This form a malignant tumor called Adenocarcinoma.
As Adenocarcinomas grow, they develop into invasive cancer. Cancer can spread from the mucosa to the muscle layer through the serosae to the lymph nodes and eventually metastasize to other organs through the blood vessels and lymphatics.
There are a number of environmental and health risk factors of colon rectal cancer, including being 50 years of age or older, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diet high in red or processed meat, obesity, personal history of colorectal cancer or Polyps, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, family history of colorectal cancer and certain inherited syndromes.
The two most common inherited syndromes that can cause colorectal cancer are Lynch syndrome also known as hereditary non-polyposis cancer and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP.
Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer accounting for 2%-4% of cases. It has an autosomal dominant disorder caused by germ line mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes. By age 50 18% or men and 19% of women with Lynch syndrome develop colorectal cancer, By age 70 it rises to 45% and 54%.
There is commonly a quick progression from Adenoma to colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome patients. FAP is an autosomal dominant disorder often caused by mutations in the APC gene. It is the second most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer accounting for less than 1%
FAP can cause hundreds to thousands of Polyps to form in the colon as early as teenage years. Without intervention the risk of colorectal cancer is almost 100%
There are a variety of visual and stool screenings that effectively reduce colorectal cancer incidents and mortality. Colonoscopy is the most common screening test for colorectal cancer. Studies suggest that through adenoma removal and early cancer detection colonoscopies can reduce colorectal cancer incidents by 40% and mortality by 50%.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy but provides direct visualization of only the distal portion of the large intestine.
CT colonography also known as visual colonoscopy is a less invasive technique that digitally visualizes the large intestine using detailed cross-sectional 2D or 3D images. It is typically used to investigate larger lesions and cancer.
Fecal Immunochemical test also known as immunochemical fecal occult blood test uses antibodies against hemoglobin to detect traces of blood in the stool. To use the stool sample is placed on the testing device; one or two red lines will appear to indicate whether blood is detected.
FITs are typically sensitive to detect insignificant adenomas and cancer. This is partially due to them being less likely to detect blood from other digestive organs.
DNA stool tests are multi-targeted tests that detect both blood and genetically mutated DNA cells that have been shed by adenomas and cancer into the stool.
According to current US Multi Society Task Force Guidelines surveillance examination intervals are decided by the number, size and histology of the adenomas detected. However recent studies have re-evaluated the long term risk of developing colorectal cancer after base line colonoscopy results.
These studies demonstrate the potential to reduce the number of patients categorized as high risk, optimizing the use and effectiveness of colorectal cancer surveillance.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer are not specific and they range significantly. They may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in bowel habits
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Red or dark blood in the stool
- Narrow stool
- Weight loss that’s unexplained
- Cramping, bloating, or abdominal pain
However, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease are all conditions that can have similar symptoms. This makes symptom diagnosis difficult.
In most situations, cancerous tumors and cells are present in the body for a long time before any symptoms occur. And, those symptoms will range depend on where the polyps develop. For example, right colon cancers can become very large because the area is more open. They often grow undetected for a long time as a result. These cancers often cause iron deficiencies because they cause a slow loss of blood over a long period of time. This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness.
On the left side, which is narrow, cancers tend to cause symptoms sooner because the tumor will impact the function of the colon faster. This type of cancer can cause constipation, narrowed stool, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea because the colon tunnel is blocked. This may also cause bright red blood in the stool.
When to See a Colon Cancer Doctor
If you believe you are at a high risk of developing colon cancer, or you believe that you may have these symptoms, your Brooklyn colon cancer doctor can help you. There are a number of tests that can be run to offer both preventative treatment and care as well as treatment for existing polyps. Colonoscopies are one of the best ways to do this. These are procedures that are used as a preventative tool to help check the health of the interior of the colon. If and when there is a concern related to cancer, such as the presence of a polyp, doctors can immediately remove it for further investigation. If larger tumors are found, we can then take steps to treat it through the proper means.
It is recommended that individuals who are over the age of 50 have a colonoscopy. Treatment of polyps is easy and highly effective. It can prevent the onset of colon cancer in many people. When you come in to see our gastroenterologist at our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway office in Brooklyn, NY, we’ll work with you to better understand your risk factors for this condition as well as when you should have a colonoscopy to look for any signs of this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Cancer
How common is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, with 150,000 new cases reported annually. It affects patients of all genders, but it’s more common in men. The good news is that colon cancer is preventable with early and routine screenings. The recommended age to begin screening is 45, but patients at a higher risk should start screening much earlier.
Can you have colorectal cancer in your 20s?
Although it is less common, you can have colorectal cancer in your 20s and even younger than that. In recent years, doctors have seen an increase in cases among people in their 20s and 30s. That’s why you should not ignore symptoms, regardless of age. Talk to your Brooklyn GI doctor if you experience rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, relentless abdominal pain, anemia, or changes in bowel habits.
How does colorectal cancer start?
Colon cancer typically starts as a polyp. A polyp is a small growth that develops in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are not cancerous growths. However, they can change and become cancerous someday.
Most precancerous polyps are adenomas, which begin in the mucus-producing cells of the intestine. It takes several years for polyps to develop into cancer. That is why routine screenings are essential for detecting and removing these polyps before they become malignant.
What causes colon cancer?
There is no single cause. However, several factors can increase the risk, including age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. If you have these risk factors, talk to your gastroenterologist about getting a colonoscopy screening today!
When should I worry about blood in my stool (rectal bleeding)?
Blood in your stool is a warning sign that something in your body needs attention. Some common causes of rectal bleeding include anal fissures, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, infections, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease. Blood in your stool could also indicate the presence of colorectal cancer. Never ignore ongoing or unexplained bleeding. Schedule a consultation with your GI doctor today!
How does my GI doctor diagnose colorectal cancer?
Endoscopic tests, including colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, are the most effective tests for colorectal cancer. These tests can be used for routine screening or for diagnostic testing in individuals with concerning symptoms. If we suspect cancer, we may order biopsies, imaging tests, and lab work to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage.
How is colon cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. The good news is that patients with early-stage colon cancer can achieve a complete cure with surgery alone. More advanced cases may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. Your treatment is personalized to provide the best outcomes without sacrificing your quality of life.
What is the survival rate for colorectal cancer patients?
Survival rates vary based on how early the cancer is found. At stage 1, colorectal cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. This reduces to 85% and 65% for stages 2 and 3, respectively. Early detection ensures the best outcomes with less aggressive treatments. This is why regular screening is so important—it saves lives by catching cancer before symptoms appear.
Where can I be screened for colon cancer in Brooklyn?
Your gastrointestinal wellness matters! If you are due for a colon cancer screening or are experiencing worrisome symptoms, don't wait! Instead, dial 718 521-2840 and schedule your consultation with Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, New York, and Coral Springs, Florida. Our expert team offers multiple gastrointestinal solutions to help you feel your best.
