Colorectal cancer

Colon cancer typically begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. Over time, some of these growths can develop into colon cancer. Because polyps may be small and without symptoms, we recommend undergoing routine screenings to help identify and remove them before they become cancerous.

You are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer if you:

• Are an active tobacco user
• Are Black or of Eastern European descent
• Are older than 60 years old
• Are overweight or obese
• Drink more than one drink a day
• Eat a diet high in red meat and low in fiber
• Get less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer
• Have an inherited syndrome, such as FAP or Lynch syndrome
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Have Type 2 diabetes

Early symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:

• Any major change in bowel habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Feeling bowels do not totally empty
• Frequent gas pain or bloating
• General abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• New onset anemia
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Red, black or tarry blood in stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Unexplained weight loss

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), you should undergo a colorectal cancer screening at 45 years old. Our evidence-based screening options include a colonoscopy at 10-year intervals or an annual fecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT).

To screen for colon cancer, your doctor may conduct one or more tests, such as.

• Biopsy — Removes a tissue sample, which is then sent to a pathologist for examination
• Colonoscopy — Commonly used to examine the bowel’s interior surface for abnormalities, such as polyps
• Digital rectal exam — Checks the rectum for lumps or abnormalities
• FIT procedure — Detects hidden blood in the stool, which can indicate colorectal cancer
• Virtual colonoscopy — Pairs computer software with computerized tomography (CT) scan technology to examine the colon for polyps

Our team of doctors, nurses and surgeons will work together to create your personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Cryosurgery
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation

Colorectal cancer surgery

We commonly address Stage 0 to 3 colorectal cancers with surgery. If the tumor is blocking the bowel, we can also use surgery to treat Stage 4 cancer. Our surgeons may perform a colon resection, or colectomy, to remove part or all of the colon and then reconnect it.

Additional surgical treatments we offer may include a polypectomy, which removes polyps in the colon. Your doctor may also suggest a colostomy. During this procedure, one end of the colon is surgically inserted through the abdominal wall to create an opening in the skin. A pouch is then attached to the opening to collect feces.

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery

Our board-certified colorectal surgeons are specially trained to use advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical procedures. Whenever possible, we use these methods to provide potential benefits such as a quicker recovery and reduced scarring.

We also perform minimally invasive surgery using robot-assisted techniques. This surgical approach enables us to combine computerized imaging with small surgical tools to complete complex procedures.

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.