Colorectal Cancer
Advanced diagnosis and treatment for colon and rectal cancers
Colorectal cancer starts in either the colon or rectum and is highly treatable when discovered early. Early detection is key.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, behind only breast, lung and prostate cancers. Over 145,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. It is the second deadliest cancer in Nebraska, and rates are increasing in people under age 50. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally.
Why Choose Bryan for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment
Whether you're concerned about your risk for colorectal cancer or have recently been diagnosed, you can find the support you need from board-certified doctors, colorectal surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, oncology nurse navigators and others from your treatment team. We are here to provide diagnosis, treatment and personalized care through your cancer journey.
Talk to Your Provider About a Colon Cancer Screening
If you’re 45 or older, you should have regular screenings. They can prevent up to 80% of colon cancer deaths.
Find a ProviderScreening Types
Watch this Video of a Colonoscopy
Hear from Dr. Griffin and his patient Ruth as the screening takes place.
Risk Factors
Studies link the following with increased risk of colorectal or colon cancer:
- Age 45 and older (increasing in people between 20 and 49)
- African Americans have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer of all racial groups
- A diet high in red meats and processed meats
- Inactivity or obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- Lynch Syndrome
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Family history of colorectal polyps
- Type 2 diabetes
You may also want to consider genetic counseling if you have a family history of colon cancer.
Learn more about genetic counseling and testing here
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Regular colon cancer screening is recommended for people ages 45-75, can save your life and is covered by most insurance. You have choices when it comes to colon cancer screening. Did you know that a colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer? Talk to your doctor about scheduling your colorectal screening.
- Colonoscopy
- Every 10 years (if no findings and low risk)
- Done with a tube with a tiny camera to look for and remove polyps (abnormal growths that can cause cancer) in your colon
- Requires prep (tablets and drink) before the test to empty the colon
- Involves sedation. You'll need a day off work and someone to drive you.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)*
- Once a year
- Take a stool sample at home using a special kit
- Mail sample to a lab to check for hidden blood in your stool
- Multi-target Stool DNA Test*
- Once every three years
- Collect a stool sample at home via a kit shipped to you
- Mail sample to a lab to check for hidden blood and abnormal DNA caused by polyps or cancer
* If a stool test is positive, the next step is a colonoscopy.
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests identify colorectal cancer and if it’s spread to other areas of the body. This information guides treatment decisions.
Lab Tests
Common lab tests include complete blood count (CBC), liver function test and tumor markers.
Biopsy
Removal of a polyp or tissue from the colon or rectum to determine if cancer cells are present. If cancer is present, the pathologist will examine the cells and identify specific characteristics to help guide treatment options.
A biopsy can be done in one of the following ways:
- Sigmoidoscopy
A slender tube is inserted through the rectum into the colon. It provides visual examination of the rectum and lower one-third of the colon. A flexible sigmoidoscopy helps diagnose colon diseases by using an endoscope to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. This procedure focuses only on the lower portion of the large intestine.
- Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy uses an endoscope, a thin flexible tube with a light and camera, to view your colon (large intestine). Your doctor may remove polyps or obtain biopsies for diagnostic purposes during the procedure.
Rectal MRI
A rectal MRI uses radio waves and strong magnets instead of radiation to take pictures of the rectum to see if cancer has spread to nearby tissue.
Anorectal Ultrasound
A special instrument that uses sound waves is placed into the rectum to look for cancer to see if it has spread to nearby organs or tissues such as lymph nodes.
Treatment and Therapies
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends mainly on the location of the tumor, if the cancer has spread within the colon or to other parts of the body, and the stage of the disease.
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation therapy. Some people have a combination of treatments.
Related Information
"There's No Pink Ribbon for Colon Cancer"
Tiffany Mullison, a foster care worker in Lincoln, Nebraska, underwent her first colonoscopy at the age of 54. The results came back abnormal. Shortly after, Tiffany had a colon resection procedure to remove cancer.
Read Tiffany's Story
Screening Spotlight: Advances in Colon Cancer Detection
Dr. David Newton leads a discussion on advancements in screening for colon cancer, and the importance of early detection.
Listen to Podcast
Patient Shares Journey with Colorectal Cancer
Warren Fick is an overall healthy 46-year-old man. He had no symptoms of colorectal cancer or a family history with the disease. Because of this, he put off scheduling his routine health screenings.
Read Warren's Story
When Should You Start Screening for Colon Cancer?
Oncology nurse navigator Breanna Nedved, RN, answers common questions related to colon cancer screening.
Read Blog
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis?
Our nurse navigators are here to help you through your cancer journey.
Jill Geschke, RN, OCN
Breanna Nedved, BSN, RN, OCN
Call 402-481-7900
