Is there something they all have in common? Audrey Hepburn, Ronald Reagan, Sharon Osbourne. Each of them has struggled with colorectal cancer.

Despite being very common, colorectal cancer still kills around 50,000 Americans every year. Although the mortality rate has decreased with screenings and better treatments, it remains high.

What is the difference between colorectal cancer and colon cancer? Cancer of the colon and rectal are collectively known as colorectal cancer. A colon consists of the last five feet of the bowel, which is the large intestine. About 30% of colorectal cancers are found in the rectum, the last eight inches of the large bowel.

Symptoms

According to the location of cancer in the bowel, the symptoms may vary but typically include:

• Symptoms of rectal bleeding
• After a bowel movement, blood is found in the stool or toilet
• Persistent diarrhoea

or constipation

• Chairs that have changed in size or shape
• When there is no need for a bowel movement, discomfort, or urge to have one
• You may experience abdominal pain or cramping in your lower stomach
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• An increase in appetite
• Lose weight without dieting
• A feeling of fatigue

There are plenty of non-cancer-related reasons to have these symptoms, so you shouldn’t panic over them, but you shouldn’t ignore them either.

Screenings

What are the options for screening colorectal cancer, and who should receive them?

The average age at which you should have your first screening is 45. Any patient experiencing symptoms should consult their doctor about screenings.

According to Choti, earlier screening is often recommended if someone has risk factors for colorectal cancer. Here are some of the risk factors:

To detect colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy is usually performed. Colorectal cancer screening with a colonoscopy is one of the most tried and true ways to see the disease.

Even though Dr. admits that the most challenging part of the process is preparing the body by drinking a particular solution and only drinking liquids in their clear state, he explains:

Colonoscopies are incredibly safe, and they go very smoothly. This will essentially be a 20-minute nap for the patient since they will be sedated.

Colorectal cancer can also be screened using a few other methods. Choosing a colonoscopy over other screening methods is the most accurate and reliable. A colonoscopy has the unique advantage of detecting and removing colon polyps while the procedure takes place. By this method, polyps that can become cancerous are removed before they become cancerous.

Other screening methods include: Despite colonoscopies being the preferred method, other tests include:

• An annual stool test is recommended
• The virtual colonoscopy involves the preparation of a colonoscopy followed by a CT scan

How do we proceed?

The battle against cancer relies heavily on early detection. To speak with your doctor as soon as possible, it can be critical to be aware of the colorectal cancer warning signs. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations about when routine screenings should be performed – even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. We should all join forces to prevent cancer in the future.