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10 Things a Colorectal Surgeon Wants You to Know

About Colorectal Cancer

1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

This statistic is quite eye-opening and one that may feel overwhelming. At Lakeland Regional Health, we understand the importance of educating patients about potential risks, symptoms, and warning signs of illness so you can receive treatment as soon as possible. We sat down with Dr. Sowsan Rasheid, colorectal surgery specialist, to learn about colorectal cancer. Here are the 10 things to know about this disease and how to stay healthy.

Sowsan Rasheid, MD, FACS

Colorectal Surgeon

1. What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer originates from cells lining the colon and rectum. These cells function to absorb water and nutrients while creating a protective barrier to restrict entry of harmful substances into the body. Colonic cells are shed and get replaced regularly as part of their normal life cycle, but mistakes can occur in the DNA during this process. If unchecked by safety mechanisms that are malfunctioning, these mistakes can result in abnormal growths, called polyps, from the colonic lining.

Some types of polyps can become cancerous as they grow and invade deeper layers of the colon or rectal wall through the years. Cancer can also cause blockage in the bowel where intestinal content is not able to pass normally. As a cancer grows larger, it can penetrate and invade adjacent organs such as rectal cancer invading the prostate, vagina, uterus, urinary bladder, and in severe cases, it can metastasize into the lungs and liver.

2. How common is colorectal cancer?

Occurring more commonly in people older than 50 years of age, a little over 140,000 new patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year in the US and 37% of those cases are fatal.

Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 26 for women. Patients of African American ancestry have a little over 20% increase in risk for developing colorectal cancer. However, various risk factors may increase or decrease the risk of cancer development.

3. What causes colorectal cancer?

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known. However, there are many factors known to increase risk, such as: 

  • 50+ years of age. Rates of colorectal cancer have been noted to rise over the past 10 to 15 years in patients younger than the age of 50.
  • Various inflammatory syndromes affecting the colon and rectum
  • Inherited cancer syndromes
  • Personal or family history of colon cancer
  • Obesity
  • High fat diet
  • Low dietary fiber
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

Risk factors mentioned above contribute to this cascade of events that lead to the development of polyps and subsequent malignancy.

4. Are there any symptoms of colorectal cancer?

No, colorectal cancer is asymptomatic during the early stages of its development. Symptoms may occur but may not be specific to colorectal cancer alone and can be seen in many other conditions such as gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

These include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Thin stool caliber
  • Rectal pain
  • Intestinal blockage

In some instances, when these symptoms develop, it can be as a result of more advanced cancer stages which make treatment challenging once diagnosis is established.

5. How can I prevent colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a preventable cancer. For most patients who have an average risk of developing colorectal cancer, prevention can be done by lifestyle modification. These modifications include:

  • Consuming a high fiber diet
  • Decreasing fats and processed foods
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Quit smoking
  • Moderation of alcohol consumption
  • Regular colonoscopies and removal of found polyps

In some instances, colorectal cancer can be due to inherited cancer syndromes and therefore prevention of cancer development can be done by early and frequent surveillance.

6. How is it diagnosed?

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed following a colonoscopy. Tests such as fecal immunochemical test (FIT), fecal occult blood tests, DNA stool-test can all be done at home yearly in order to screen and monitor for the possibility of polyp or cancer growth. However, they do not replace a colonoscopy which can identify and biopsy or remove such growths.

7. When should I begin scheduling colonoscopies?

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detection and prevention of colon cancer. The timing of screening is dependent on the patient’s individual risk facts. The American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screening is started at the age of 45 years for average risk patients.

8. Can it be cured or treated?

Cancer management is dependent on multiple factors. The most important factors determining the type of treatment you will require is cancer location and stage. Every patient is different, and their care plans will vary based on their health status and treatments required. These multiple variables will influence the outcome of treatment. In other words, early-stage cancers have potential to be cured while more advanced cancers can be managed and brought under control to prolong survival. Once cancer remission is achieved, it will be important for you to continue to follow up regularly with your cancer doctors for surveillance.

9. How will my care team support me during my treatment?

Your team of doctors and nurses will help provide the necessary information and education regarding your diagnosis. Cancer care is a comprehensive and collaborative effort done by a team of experts who will help support you during the time of your treatment and for many years following your recovery.

 

  • They will collaborate to provide you with the most up to date chemotherapeutic and surgical care needed to manage your cancer.
  • They will develop a unique treatment plan that considers your overall health, stage, and type of cancer.
  • They will recommend types of treatments and surgical procedures and goals of care and expectations during therapy.
  • They will communicate openly where your questions and concerns are addressed during your clinic visits, while undergoing various treatments and beyond.
  • You will also meet with social workers who will help optimize other areas in your care by determining and arranging for home health and physical therapy needs during your treatments and as you recover.
  • Emotional and spiritual support can be provided while you are going through this challenging time in your life.
  • Even after your cancer is fully treated and under control, you will continue to be followed by your doctors for surveillance and monitoring for signs or symptoms of the cancer coming back.

10. Can I go on to live a healthy and full life after recovery?

Yes! Every cancer patient has a unique diagnosis. No two patients are the same and you should expect that your cancer management is tailored to your needs to help achieve the maximum benefits while maintaining a good quality of life. Your outcome will depend on the stage and location of the cancer as well as your overall health. Therefore, it is most important to diagnose colorectal cancer in the earliest stages to ensure the best outcome possible.

colorectal surgery male and female patients

Preventative Care at Lakeland Regional Health

To learn more about what services Dr. Rasheid and the colorectal surgical team at Lakeland Regional Health offer, call 863.603.6565 or select learn more below.

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