Tragically, colorectal cancer (often referred to as \u2018colon cancer\u2019) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, even though treatments can be very successful when found early. When colon cancer is found early, before it spreads, the survival rate is very high. If the cancer is detected later and has a chance to spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to schedule regular colonoscopies if you\u2019re 45 or older or have a history of colon cancer in your family, and to see a doctor promptly if you have any warning signs.<\/p>\n
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the American Cancer Society, the following can be signs of colorectal cancer. Just because you have some of these symptoms doesn\u2019t mean you have cancer; other possible causes include infection, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Nevertheless, any of these symptoms warrant a doctor\u2019s visit to discover the cause and obtain treatment if necessary.<\/p>\n Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:<\/p>\n If you experience any of these symptoms, time is of the essence. Call your family doctor or Muskegon Surgical Associates at (231) 739-9461 for an appointment right away.<\/p>\n If You are Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n Your doctor may recommend more tests and, if colorectal cancer is suspected, colonoscopy will be performed to biopsy any abnormal areas. (In a biopsy, the doctor uses a special instrument to remove small pieces of tissue, which are then examined under a microscope).<\/p>\n Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the type of cancer and how early it was found. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.<\/p>\n What is a Colonoscopy?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n A colonoscopy is a screening procedure where a flexible camera is used to inspect the colon.<\/p>\n The Importance of Regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings<\/strong><\/p>\n Typically, symptoms of colon cancer don\u2019t present themselves until the cancer is advanced (and more difficult to treat). The American Cancer Society recently lowered the recommended age from 50 to 45 to address the rise in younger people being diagnosed more frequently. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to schedule a screening when you turn 45, and at regular intervals (suggested by your doctor) after that. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest you begin regular screenings earlier. Screening can detect cancer when it\u2019s easier to treat, and even prevent some colon cancers from forming by finding and removing pre-cancerous polyps.<\/p>\n Source:<\/p>\n American Cancer Society<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tragically, colorectal cancer (often referred to as \u2018colon cancer\u2019) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, even though treatments can be very successful when found early. When colon cancer is found early, before it spreads, the survival rate is very high. If the cancer is detected later and has a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-902","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n\n