Colon Cancer in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
The colon is the final portion of your gastrointestinal tract where the body withdraws liquid and salt from feces. Colon and rectal cancer occur when tumorous growths evolve in the colon. The tumors begin as harmless masses called polyps. Polyps are minuscule clusters of cells that can ultimately transform into colon tumors.
Colon cancer is more common in mature adults and is the second most common cancer detected in both men and women put together.
It is imperative to obtain a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then as directed by your GI doctor. To request a colon cancer screening in Phoenix, AZ, talk to Arizona Digestive Health.
What are the signs and risk factors of colorectal cancer?
With the correct treatment and consideration, it is our desire that should you experience the initial indicators of colon cancer, a quick response could provide you with a more favorable outcome. If you are encountering any of these indicators on a day-to-day basis, please request a meeting with a Phoenix, AZ gastroenterologist quickly:
- Persistent urges to defecate
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- An abrupt change in bowel customs, including constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the consistency of your stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Continual abdominal distress, like cramps, gas, or pain
- Any of these joined by weakness and tiredness
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty fully
Some of the factors that could place an individual at higher risk for colorectal cancer are:
- Age: Colon and rectal cancer is usually discovered in persons who are more than 50; however, the rates of colon cancer in younger patients have been growing.
- Descent: Individuals of African-American descent have a higher risk of colon cancer comparable to different races.
- Family history: If you or a relative has had colon and rectal cancer or colon growths, you possess a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory intestinal ailments: Long-term diseases, including Crohn's disease and colitis, can increase your risk of colon and rectal cancer.
- “Standard Western Diet”: Colon cancer has been connected with a reduced fiber, high fat, and high-calorie diet.
What are the survival rates for cancer?
Cancer survival rates are divided into categories and conditional on the degree it has dispersed upon discovery. Localized colorectal cancer is cancer that is purely in the colon. Regional colorectal cancer is when the cancer spreads to the surrounding cells and body parts, and distant is if the disease has circulated to remote parts of the body.
- Localized colon cancer: 90% 5-year survival rate
- Regional colon cancer: 71% 5-year survival rate
- Distant colon cancer: 14% 5-year survival rate
If the cancer is diagnosed quickly and merely presents in minimal cancerous growths, then the tumors can be removed, greatly increasing rates of survival.
We advise obtaining a colonoscopy when you are 45 years of age in order to find cancer quickly. If colorectal cancer is in your family history, then we suggest getting a screening for colorectal cancer at Arizona Digestive Health quickly.
What are the ready treatments for colon cancer?
Therapy for colon cancer in Phoenix, AZ patients can diverge based on the degree of the disease. Each case is unique, but the best thing you can do for colorectal cancer is to prevent it.
Avoidance
Colon cancer is an exceptional type of cancer since it is preventable. Colorectal cancer first appears in the form of tumors. These polyps can be extracted, which decreases your risk of passing away from cancer by 90%. Your private risk and avoidance steps can be discussed at a colorectal cancer test with your GI physician.
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Stage 0 colorectal cancer is when the colon cancer has not dispersed outside the inward lining of the colon. If the growth is minuscule enough, it can be simply extracted with the use of a colonoscope during a colonoscopy.
Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment
If the tumor is absolutely withdrawn while undergoing a colonoscopy with no cancerous tissues at the rims, no additional intervention may be necessary. If the removed polyp does have cancerous cells at the rims, additional surgery may be required to withdraw the residual cancerous cells. For cancers not in a polyp, a partial colectomy may be needed to remove the portion of the colon and nearby lymph nodes that are cancerous.
Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment
Normally in stage 2, surgery is carried out to remove the segment of the colon or closeby lymph nodes retaining cancer. Occasionally, your physician will advise adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo after surgery) in addition.
Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment
A partial colectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment for this stage of colorectal cancer.
Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment
This phase of the disease generally means that the disease has moved to other tissues or body parts. Surgery could be necessary to eliminate sections of the cancer found in the colon and different organs, along with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this stage is generally administered before and following surgery.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What causes colorectal cancer?
The specific cause behind colon and rectal cancer is unknown. It results when cell mutation in the inner lining of the rectum or colon proliferates of control, producing a tumor or growth. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease. These involve lifestyle choices, such as alcohol and tobacco use, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition, along with having a genetic or familial history.
How is colon cancer detected?
Colorectal cancer is generally diagnosed when undergoing a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the most frequently performed, effective, and thorough test for identifying colon and rectal cancer. Further exams, like flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, stool tests, and double-contract barium enema, could also be utilized when screening for colorectal cancer. Your Arizona Digestive Health gastroenterologist will recommend the ideal method of screening and diagnosis to address your needs.
How fast does colorectal cancer develop?
Colon and rectal cancer is slow-growing in many instances. The disease often starts as a benign growth in the large bowel or rectum that turns cancerous over time. Encountering symptoms with polyps is rare, which means that regular colorectal cancer screenings are vital to diagnosing this disease as early as possible.
Is colorectal cancer preventable?
Colon and rectal cancer can commonly be avoided with periodic colorectal cancer tests. Given that the majority of colorectal cancers start as precancerous polyps, scheduling screenings as advised by your physician can help reduce your risk of having this disease. During your consultation, our GI specialists in Arizona can provide additional advice on how to minimize your risk for colorectal cancer.
Treatment for colon cancer patients
If you or a family member suspects or has been diagnosed with colon cancer, take comfort in expert assistance being nearby. Arizona Digestive Health is part of a physician-led network of gastroenterologists, and every one of our board-certified doctors aims to put the comfort and security of our patients before everything else. To find out additional information about colon cancer and how it may be discovered and prevented, or to get treatment for colon cancer in Phoenix, AZ, get in touch with our location.
Colon Cancer Videos
Reviews
I’ve been a patient for years. He, and his team, discovered my colon cancer early enough (stage one) such that I had it removed in time, without the need for chemo; so far, I’ve been cancer free. As long as he’s in practice, I’ll be going there for everything GI.
It’s truly my 1st experience ever, as long as you follow the steps , pay close attention to what you’re supposed to do , YOU CAN insure a safe and speedy colonoscopy , with it being my 1st, Dr.V was very warm and compassionate, introduced himself as the chief physician who will be performing the procedure, explained everything clearly and his staff so gentle, walked me through the process completely, Afterwards, , Dr.V came to check on me post-op asked if I had any questions and just a nice human being over all. Granted , I was very scared out of my mind , not knowing what to expect; absolutely terrified , although colon cancer doesn’t run in our family… but there is always a first. I am glad to say , I don’t have to come back in another 10 yrs, but they encouraged me to take healthy steps for the next go around. And to think , when I was little , I thought Diverticulosis was a form of swimming style , I was 9yrs old at the time ,don’t judge me - lol Indeed made Dr. V laugh, Rest assured you will be in the best of hands coming here 🙏🏽 Cheers to Dr. V and to incorporating a high fiber diet
I have been taking my special needs son to Dr. Umar for a year and a half now. We have a family history of colon cancer so my son needed a colonoscopy at only 20 years old and Dr. Umar agreed and made it happen with insurance coverage. Then my son started having GI problems a year later likely due to EDS and Dr. Umar's MA got him in quickly specifically to Dr. Umar. He is all about patient comfort and what is realistic for the patient, down to earth, no ego (but is phenomenal), genuinely cares, no long waits, explains everything. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone!
This will be my procedure with Dr. Meline. I was extremely satisfied with the procedure, the professionalism, and the care provided by his staff and himself back in 2019. I am having another procedure next week and he thoroughly explained all that was done prior, the risks involved, the steps we are taking to ensure that I am able to keep my colon cancer free. While the day before is not fun, the juice is worth the squeeze. And remember, you can have your colon colonoscopy checked at age 45, not 50 like the insurance companies like to preach. Vic Houze Jr
Dr. Gulinson is great! I’ve had 2 procedures (colonoscopies) performed by him and his team. I will be having my third in July. I have every confidence that it will go as well as the others. Dr. Gulinson’s office staff are kind and efficient—no long waits either. The doctor explains what will happen during the procedure and what he does if polyps are found. He answers questions and puts me at ease. The prep is easy and much better than friends have experienced elsewhere. You drink a tasteless laxative with a clear drink of your choice. Not a fun time but necessary since my family has a history of colon cancer. Dr. Gulinson has a calm, kind bedside manner. I highly recommend him as does my PCP. 👍
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