Colon Cancer in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
The colon is the last part of the GI system where the body removes water and salt from solid waste. Colorectal cancer happens when cancerous masses evolve in the colon. Cancer begins as mild masses known as polyps. Polyps are minuscule clumps of cells that can ultimately transform into colon tumors. Colon and rectal cancer is increasingly common in older adults and is the second most general cancer detected in both women and men jointly. It is essential to have a colonoscopy starting at age 45 and then as recommended by your gastroenterologist. To make an appointment for a colorectal cancer screening in Denver, CO, get in touch with Colorado Gastroenterology.
What are the symptoms and risk factors of colorectal cancer?
With the correct handling and attention, it is our desire that, should you have the initial indicators of colon cancer, prompt therapy might assist you with a more positive outcome. If you are experiencing any of these signs continually, please book an appointment with a Denver, CO gastroenterologist quickly:
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t evacuate fully
- Bloody stool
- Long-term abdominal distress, such as cramps, flatulence, or pain
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- An abrupt change in bowel movements, including constipation, diarrhea, or an alteration in the consistency of your stool
- Continual urges to defecate
- Symptoms from this list accompanied by weakness and fatigue
Some of the components that might place a person at greater risk for colorectal cancer are:
- Age: Colon cancer is primarily identified in individuals who are over 50; however, the rates of colon cancer in young persons have been on the incline.
- Heritage: Persons of the African-American race have an increased danger of colon and rectal cancer compared to different races.
- Inflammatory intestinal ailments: Long-term diseases, such as Crohn's disease and colitis, can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Family history: If you or a family member has had colon and rectal cancer or colon growths, you possess a greater danger of colon cancer.
- “Common Western Diet”: Colorectal cancer has been connected with a reduced fiber, high fat, and high-calorie way of eating.
What are the possible treatments for colon cancer?
Therapy for colorectal cancer in Denver, CO patients can be altered based on the spread of cancer. Every instance is unique, but the greatest thing you can do for colon cancer is to entirely stop it.
Prevention
Colon cancer is a unique kind of cancer for the reason that it is avoidable. Colon cancer first appears in the form of growths. These polyps can be extracted, which decreases your danger of dying of cancer by 90%. Your particular risk and avoidance steps can be discussed at a colorectal cancer screening with your GI physician.
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Stage 0 colorectal cancer is when the colon cancer has not moved outside the inward lining of the colon. If the growth is tiny enough, it can be easily eliminated with the use of a colonoscope while doing a colonoscopy.
Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment
If the growth is entirely eliminated while undergoing a colonoscopy with no cancerous tissues at the extremities, no further remedies may be required. If the removed polyp does have cancerous tissues at the edges, further surgery may be essential to remove the extra cancerous cells. For cancers not in growth, a partial colectomy might be needed to extract the piece of the colon and adjacent lymph nodes that are cancerous.
Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment
Often in stage 2, surgery is carried out to remove the section of the colon or nearby lymph nodes containing cancer. Every so often, your GI specialist will endorse adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo following surgery) as well.
Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment
A partial colectomy succeeded by adjuvant chemotherapy is the conventional treatment for this phase of colon cancer.
Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment
This type of cancer normally means that the disease has dispersed to different tissues or body parts. Surgery could be necessary to remove segments of the cancer identified in the colon and additional organs, in addition to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this phase is commonly conducted before and after surgery.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What are the causes of colon cancer?
Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is undetermined, it results when cells that have become mutated in the inner wall of the rectum or colon propagate of control, producing a tumor or growth. There are certain circumstances, however, that may elevate the chance of developing colon or rectal cancer. These factors involve lifestyle habits, like tobacco and alcohol use, inadequate amounts of physical activity, and poor nutritional habits, in addition to having a genetic or hereditary predisposition.
How is colorectal cancer detected?
Colon cancer is typically detected and diagnosed during a screening for colon cancer. A colonoscopy exam is the most common, accurate, and thorough testing option for detecting colorectal cancer. Additional tests, like flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and stool tests, may also be performed when screening for colon cancer. Your Colorado Gastroenterology GI doctor can advise you on the appropriate method of diagnosis and screening to meet your personalized needs.
How quickly does colorectal cancer progress?
Most of the time, colorectal cancer is a slow-growing disease. It commonly begins as a benign growth or polyp in the large intestine or rectal area that turns cancerous as time goes on. Encountering symptoms with polyps is rare, meaning that periodic colon cancer exams are imperative to catching this disease as quickly as possible.
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Cancer of the colon or rectum can often be avoided with regular colorectal cancer tests. As most cases of colon cancers begin as premalignant growths, scheduling screenings as advised by your physician can help decrease your chances of getting this disease. Our gastrointestinal specialists in Denver, CO can offer further advice on how to reduce your colon cancer risk during your visit with our team.
Help for colorectal cancer patients
If you or a family member fears or has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, take solace in expert help being close at hand. Colorado Gastroenterology is a doctor-led system of gastroenterologists, and every one of our board-certified specialists makes it their goal to set the relief and protection of our clients before everything else. To discover additional information about colon cancer and how it might be discovered and prevented, or to get treatment for colorectal cancer in Denver, CO, reach out to our facility today.
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Dr. Rufner listens and hears what the patient has to say. Then doctor and patient can come up with a solution. I've been seeing Dr. Rufner for several years and wouldn't consider seeing anyone else. He helped me through my recovery after colon cancer. I highly recommended Dr. Rufner.
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