Colorectal cancer

If you are at high risk for developing colon cancer, ask your doctor if regular screenings are right for you. You may be considered high risk for developing colorectal cancer if you are:

• 45 years old or older
• An active smoker or drinker
• Consuming red or processed meat regularly
• Known to have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Known to have a personal history of type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Known to have inherited genetic syndrome like Lynch syndrome
• Not physically active
• Overweight or obese

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. This type of cancer develops from polyps, or growths, within the colon or rectum. These polyps are often noncancerous, however, the cells within the polyps may begin growing abnormally over time, which can make the polyp cancerous.

The most common and dependable way to screen for colon cancer is with a colonoscopy, which gives your doctor a clear view of your colon and rectum. Regular colon cancer screenings are critical to detect the disease in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.

We recommend consulting your physician if you are 45 years old or older to determine the right screening test for you. Evidence-based options may include colonoscopy at 10-year intervals, or an annual fecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT).

If an abnormality is detected on your colonoscopy, our gastrointestinal (GI) doctors will work together to order additional tests and create a personalized treatment plan. This plan could include radiation therapy, robotic surgery, chemotherapy or a combination of these methods.

Our oncology program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), and is led by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists who partner with other specialists to treat your condition.