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
As colonoscopies go, and me being high risk for colon cancer at a young age, I have sever anxiety. I want to know that my doctor is caring and most importantly competent. I admit I had concerns about Dr. Volcano's age (he looks sooo young) but he is both caring and competent in his field and I would recommend him to anyone in need of a good gastroenterologist.
Knowledgeable physicians and friendly staff.
I’ve been going to Dr. Stein for over 15 years, maybe 20. He is a great Doctor. Very caring and takes the time to listen. He diagnosed my Mother with Colon Cancer and was so calm & caring. Immediately referred us to an oncologist & Surgeon. I have been in the hospital many times ( for other reasons) and have asked for consult with him and he does his own visits and responded right away. I would not hesitate to use him.
Having a great day with Dr. Meline!
Great staff!!
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