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Home Cancers We Treat Colon and Rectal Cancer
Cancers We Treat

Cancers We Treat

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Learn about the important aspects of screening, diagnosis and causes and be better informed about colorectal cancer.

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Colorectal Cancer Explained

Colorectal cancers originate in the colon or rectum and the two cancers have a lot in common with the exception of some differences in cancer treatment. Colon and rectal cancers are unique in that they usually always start as a polyp. The non-cancerous polyp changes as years go by, becoming pre-malignant then malignant.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

Colorectal cancer treatment plans will use a variety of factors including your lifestyle, type and stage of cancer. Treatment for colorectal cancer might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and the use of targeted therapies. If you receive a diagnosis, your physician will work with you to devise a custom colorectal cancer treatment plan.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment at Baptist Cancer Center

Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable disease, and that is why treatment at Baptist Cancer Center begins with screenings and prevention. Once diagnosed, our multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, physical therapists, dietitians and others works closely together and with the patient to create a specialized treatment plan.

The experts at Baptist Cancer Center use the latest treatment technologies and techniques, including minimally-invasive and robotic surgical capabilities, to provide personalized care that accommodates your wishes and lifestyle.

The Different Types of Coloectal Cancer

Most colorectal cancers start as polyps in the lining of the colon or rectum that can turn into cancer over time. The three most common types of polyps that can become cancerous are:

Adenomatous polyps (also known as adenomas) are often referred to as a precancerous condition and come in three different types: tubular, villous and tubulovillous.

Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps are more common, but are not pre-cancerous in most instances. Their presence, however, indicates the need for regular screening.

Sessile serrated polyps(SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA) are another form of precancerous polyps and are often treated like ademonas.

Most colorectal cancers are called adenocarcinomas. Other forms of cancer include sarcomas, lymphomas, carcinoid tumors and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, or GISTs.


Why Early Colorectal Cancer Screening Is Crucial

Colorectal cancer is very treatable when it’s found early. About 9 out of 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found and treated early are still alive five years later. The best way to detect this disease early is through regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends people of average risk start colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.
Common Causes of Colorectal Cancer

Researchers know that several factors can increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer, but they aren't sure how these risks might directly cause colorectal cancer. Risk factors for colon and rectal cancer include:

  • Age (your chances of developing cancer increase as you get older)
  • Being African American or Ashkenazi Jew
  • Type-2 diabetes

People with a personal history of colon health, inflammatory bowel diseases, family history, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), Turcot syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and MUTYH-associated polyposis are also at an increased risk.

In addition to these risk factors, there are some lifestyle factors that you can change to decrease your risk:

  • Improve your diet: Diets high in fat, red meat, processed meat, fried foods might increase your risk for developing colorectal cancer
  • Be more active: Sedentary lifestyles can increase your risk
  • Obesity raises your risk of colon cancer
  • Smoking raises your risk of developing cancer
  • Heavy alcohol use increases your risk of developing cancer
Common Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Oftentimes, the symptoms of colorectal cancers indicate other conditions such as an infection, irritable bowel syndrome, or hemorrhoids. Colorectal cancers symptoms can include the following:

  • A change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
How Colorectal Cancer Is Diagnosed
Your physician will use a variety of diagnostic tests including imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies to diagnose colorectal cancer.
Cancer patient receiving comfortable treatment

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Learn Your Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

Colorectal cancer treatment plans will use a variety of factors including your lifestyle, type and stage of cancer. Treatment for colorectal cancer might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and the use of targeted therapies. If you receive a diagnosis, your physician will work with you to devise a custom colorectal cancer treatment plan.

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