Colorectal Cancer
Advanced diagnosis and treatment for colorectal cancer
Talk to Your Doctor About a Colon Screening
If you’re over 45, you should have regular screenings. With regular screenings can prevent up to 80 percent of colon cancer deaths.
If you don't have a doctor, find one today
Colorectal cancer starts in either the colon or rectum and is highly treatable when discovered early.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, behind only breast, lung and prostate cancers. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women. Over 145,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. In Nebraska alone, 900 people will be told they have colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally.
Watch this video of a Colorectal Cancer Screening
Hear from Dr. Griffin and his patient Ruth as the screening takes place.
Why Choose Bryan for Colorectal Cancer Screening or Treatment
Whether you're concerned about your risk for colorectal cancer, or have recently been diagnosed, we encourage you to turn to Bryan for your colon cancer screenings or cancer care. Our board certified doctors, colorectal surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, oncology nurse navigators and others form your treatment team are here to provide diagnosis, treatment and support through your cancer journey.
Risk Factors
Studies link the following with increased risk of colorectal or colon cancer:
- Above the age of 50. Ninety percent are in people age 50 and over, however, colorectal cancer is increasing in men and women 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 colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests identify colorectal cancer and if it’s spread to other areas of the body. This information guides treatment decisions.
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. Here is what we have in GI section on this: 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.
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