During colonoscopy, a doctor gently moves a long, lighted tube with a tiny camera through the entire colon. The doctor can see the inside of the colon on a viewing screen. If polyps are found, the doctor can remove the polyps immediately with a special tool attached to the colonscope, eliminating the worry that these polyps might turn into cancer. In addition to getting regular screenings, you can lower your risk of colorectal cancer. t &BU B EJFU MPX JO SFE NFBU BOE IJHI JO fruits and vegetables t (FU QMFOUZ PG QIZTJDBM BDUJWJUZ t %PO U TNPLF t .BJOUBJO B IFBMUIZ XFJHIU t *G ZPV ESJOL ESJOL JO NPEFSBUJPO Treat it early Even if a polyp becomes malignant—if the malignancy is found in an early stage—the cancer is very treatable surgically. When detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate of colorectal cancer is 90 percent. Colorectal cancer that has spread beyond the colon to lymph nodes or other organs may require additional treatment of chemotherapy and radiation. Most colon cancers are slow-growing and can be detected long before symptoms arise. However, people should see their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms: t " DIBOHF JO TUPPM QBUUFSOT TVDI BT diarrhea or constipation t " GFFMJOH UIBU ZPVS CPXFM JT OPU DPNQMFUFMZ empty after a bowel movement t #SJHIU SFE PS WFSZ EBSL CMPPE JO ZPVS TUPPMT t 4UPPMT UIBU BSF OBSSPXFS UIBO VTVBM t 'SFRVFOU HBT QBJOT PS DSBNQT GFFMJOH GVMM or bloated t /BVTFB PS WPNJUJOH t 'SFRVFOU GBUJHVF t 6OFYQMBJOFE XFJHIU MPTT Although abdominal pain is also a symptom, colorectal cancer does not usually cause pain in the early stages, so don’t wait to feel pain to see a doctor if you are experiencing the above symptoms.
Evidence-based care In light of all the treatment options available, cancers today require a multidisciplinary approach. At the Avera Cancer Institute, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cases are reviewed at a Digestive Disease conference by a team including gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and surgeons. Doctors at this conference converse about each individual patient, collaborate in making treatment recommendations based on the latest medical evidence, and design a recommended plan of care, making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit together for the patient’s best benefit. Patients then work with GI navigator Jessica Morrell, CNP. “I am their central point of contact,” Morrell said. Cancer patients see multiple health providers, from their primary care provider to a surgeon to a oncologist. Everything Avera does is centered on the patient, and that’s why the Avera Cancer Institute has developed navigator programs for different types of cancer, including breast and GI. The navigator helps patients understand their diagnosis, and focus on treatment decisions each step along the way. Navigators also put patients in touch with support services available to them. “My job is to help cancer patients navigate the system— to make sure they’re not missing any referrals or services outlined in the plan of care,” Morrell said. “I help facilitate the individualized plan, so patients receive technologically advanced treatment in a timely manner.”
To learn more about colorectal cancer and other health topics, go to www.AveraMcKennan.org and click on “health library.” To learn more about cancer prevention and treatment, go to www.AveraCancer.org. ACAI-11894-FE1610