Colon Cancer in Connecticut

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What is colon cancer?

The colon is the final portion of the gastrointestinal system, where the body withdraws liquid and salt from food remnants. Colon and rectal cancer develops when tumorous growths originate in the colon. The tumors begin as benign masses named polyps. Polyps are minor bunches of cells that can ultimately transform into colon tumors.

Colon cancer is increasingly common in mature adults and is the second-leading general cancer detected in both females and males combined.

It is imperative to obtain a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then as directed by your GI provider. To schedule a colon cancer screening in Connecticut, call a Connecticut GI location in your community.

What are the signs and risk factors of colon cancer?

With the proper treatment and attention, we hope that if you have the initial indicators of colorectal cancer, quick intervention could help you gain a more positive outcome. If you are encountering any of these symptoms regularly, please request an appointment with a Connecticut gastroenterologist without delay:

  • Pain throughout bowel movements
  • An abrupt change in bowel habits, including obstruction, diarrhea, or an alteration in the texture of your stool
  • A feeling that your bowel does not evacuate fully
  • Lasting intestinal distress, like cramps, bloating, or pain
  • Continual urges to have a bowel movement
  • Bloody stool
  • Any of the below symptoms, coupled with weakness and exhaustion

Some of the components that may position a person at higher risk for colon and rectal cancer are:

  • Age: Colon cancer is usually discovered in individuals older than 50; despite that, the rates of colon cancer in younger people have been on the incline.
  • Race: Individuals of the African-American race have a higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to other races.
  • Family history: If you or a family member has had colorectal cancer or colon tumors, you possess a greater risk of colorectal cancer.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Long-term ailments, including Crohn's disease and colitis, can raise your risk of colon and rectal cancer.
  • “Typical Western Diet”: Colon cancer has been associated with reduced fiber, enhanced fat, and a high-calorie diet.

What are the survival statistics for colon cancer?

Survival rates of colon cancer are broken into groups and depend on the scope it has dispersed upon discovery. Localized colorectal cancer is cancer that is purely in the colon. Regional colorectal cancer is when the disease transfers to the adjacent tissues and organs, and distant is if the condition has circulated to faraway 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 early and only appears in some cancerous tumors, then the tumors can be excised, resulting in very high survival rates.

We propose receiving a colonoscopy when you turn 45 to diagnose cancer promptly. If colorectal cancer is diagnosed in your family, we recommend screening for colon cancer at a Connecticut GI location quickly.

What are the accessible treatments for colon cancer?

Treatment for colorectal cancer in Connecticut individuals can diverge depending on the phase of the cancer. Each instance is different, but the best thing you can do for colorectal cancer is to prevent it in general.

Avoidance

Colon cancer is a unique brand of cancer since it is preventable. Colon cancer first shows up in the form of growths, or polyps. These polyps can be removed, which lowers your risk of dying from cancer by 90%. Your risk and prevention steps can be considered with your GI doctor during a colon cancer test.

Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment

Stage 0 colon cancer is when the colon cancer has not dispersed outside the inward lining of the colon. If the polyp is tiny enough, it can be freely eliminated using a colonoscope during a colonoscopy.

Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment

If the polyp is completely extracted during a colonoscopy with no cancer cells at the rims, no further remedies may be necessary. If the extracted tumor does have cancerous tissues at the edges, further surgery might be necessary to clear the extra cancerous tissue. For cancers not in a polyp, a partial colectomy might be needed to extract the piece of the colon and nearby lymph nodes that are cancerous.

Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment

Often, in stage 2, surgery is conducted to extract the segment of the colon or nearby lymph nodes containing cancer. Occasionally, your physician will also recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo following surgery).

Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment

A partial colectomy and then adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment approach for this phase of colorectal cancer.

Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment

This stage of cancer typically means the condition has dispersed to additional tissues or organs. Surgery could be required to remove sections of cancer found in the colon and other organs, along with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this stage is generally conducted before and after surgery.

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What causes colon cancer?

The specific cause behind colon and rectal cancer is not clear. It occurs when mutated cells in the inner lining of the colon or rectum propagate beyond control, leading to a growth or tumor. However, there are specific circumstances that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include lifestyle choices like alcohol and tobacco use, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition, in addition to having a hereditary or genetic predisposition.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

Colorectal cancer is commonly detected and diagnosed when undergoing a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the most commonly performed, precise, and comprehensive test for detecting colon cancer. Other exams, like flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, fecal tests, and double-contrast barium enema, may also be utilized when screening for colorectal cancer. Your Connecticut GI doctor can recommend the optimal approach to screening and diagnosis to address your personalized needs.

How quickly does colorectal cancer progress?

Colorectal cancer is slow-growing in most instances. The condition typically arises as a noncancerous polyp or growth in the colon or rectum that turns malignant over time. Encountering symptoms with polyps is uncommon, meaning that periodic colon cancer screenings are essential to identifying this cancer as soon as possible.

Can colon cancer be prevented?

Colorectal cancer can often be avoided with regular colorectal cancer screenings. Since most cases of colorectal cancer begin as precancerous growths, getting screened as recommended by your healthcare provider can help decrease the risk of experiencing this condition. Our Connecticut GI specialists can offer additional advice on how to decrease your colon cancer risk when you visit our team for a consultation.

Compassionate care and treatment for colorectal cancer patients

If you or a family member suspects or has been diagnosed with colon cancer, consider expert assistance nearby. Connecticut GI is a physician-led network of gastroenterologists, and each of our board-certified specialists aims to put the relief and protection of our clients before everything else. To find out additional information about colon cancer and how it could be detected and avoided, or to find treatment for colon cancer in Connecticut, contact a location in your community.

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C. Google

Dr. Gelwan is an amazing, caring, and knowledgeable physician. He had taken care of members of my family and myself for years. He had quickly and expertly caught conditions and made sure we were all well in a quick and painless fashion. I highly recommend him. He is the BEST!

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