Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Yet it is also among the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early through routine screening. Most colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps — small growths in the inner lining of the colon or rectum — which can be identified and removed before they become malignant. The majority of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, arising from the glandular cells lining the colon and rectum. Risk factors include age (most cases occur in people over 50), a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a diet high in red or processed meat, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Symptoms in early-stage colorectal cancer may be absent or subtle. As the disease progresses, patients may notice changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool), blood in the stool (bright red or very dark), abdominal cramping or discomfort, a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, weakness, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Screening colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the colon and removal of polyps before they become cancerous. Current guidelines recommend screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals. High-risk patients may require earlier or more frequent screening. Other screening modalities include stool-based tests (FIT, stool DNA), CT colonography, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. Early-stage disease is treated with surgical resection, often performed laparoscopically or robotically. Advanced disease may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (such as bevacizumab or cetuximab), and radiation. Our gastrointestinal oncology team at Silvaris provides comprehensive colorectal cancer care with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and personalized molecular treatment strategies.
