Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, one in 21 men and one in 23 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.
Henry Lujan, MD, FACS, FASCRS, board-certified general and colorectal surgeon from the Digestive Center of Health at Jackson South Community Hospital, explains the disease, the importance of early detection, and treatment options.
Q: Why is it important to have a colonoscopy screening?
A: It is important for men and women around 50 years old to have a colorectal screening because colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Q: What are some symptoms of colorectal cancer?
A: Some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding, blood in stool, unexplained abdominal pain or change in bowel habits. However, sometimes there are no signs or symptoms and that’s why it is very important to have a colonoscopy screening.
Q: What tests are usually done to check for colorectal cancer?
A: Testing for blood in the stool, also known as occult blood testing, is one way. Patients who are diagnosed with anemia by routine blood testing should be further evaluated. It is important to prove that the patient with anemia is not slowly losing blood from the colon because of a polyp or tumor. The gold standard is colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a thin flexible, hollow, lighted tube with a tiny video camera on the end is inserted into the colon and sends pictures to a TV screen. Small amounts of air are pumped into the colon to keep it open and let the doctor see clearly. The exam takes about 30 minutes, during which time the patient is given medicine to relax and sleep. Most people do not find these tests painful. It is recommended that colonoscopies be done once every 10 years, unless the patient is at a higher risk for developing colon cancer.
Q: Who is at high risk?
A: If your mother, father, sister or brother has been diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, screening should start earlier than age 50. People who have a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease and those with a family history of ovarian, endometrial, Crohn’s, or breast cancer also may also be at increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Q: What happens if there are abnormalities found?
A: If abnormalities are detected during your colonoscopy screening, you may need surgical intervention.
Q: Is colon cancer curable?
A: Colon cancer is curable, especially if diagnosed early. That’s why it is so important to have a colorectal screening because early detection can lead to a better outcome.
Q: What are the types of treatments available for patients at risk of colorectal cancer?
A: Treatments usually involve surgery. Sometimes small polyps or cancers can be removed at the time of colonoscopy. Some require major surgery. Usually we are able to apply the newest, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery, similar to how a gallbladder is removed. We use small incisions, a camera or laparoscope, and specialized instruments to perform the operation.
Q: How can I prepare for the surgical procedure and how long does it take?
A: It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle prior to surgery. If you smoke, you should stop immediately to decrease the risk of complications. The day before the procedure you will do what is called bowel prep. You will drink a strong laxative to clean the colon and take antibiotics orally. You will be advised not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your operation. However, you may be allowed to take some medications (especially hypertension medications) with a sip of water the morning of your operation.
Q: What is the surgical intervention that you use?
A: I use the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System which is powered by state-of-the-art technology, able to perform delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions. It combines laparoscopic techniques with the latest technology and its robotic arms are controlled by the surgeon which is connected to the laparoscopic equipment in order to perform the procedure.
Q: What are the benefits of robot assisted minimally invasive surgery?
A: The benefits are for both the surgeon and patient. Patients recover quicker, stay in the hospital fewer days, and are able to return to work. Though individual results vary, other advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery may include:
● Small cuts vs. a large incision
● Less trauma to muscles, nerves and tissues
● Less bleeding
● Less scarring
● Less trauma to organs
● Less hospital time
● Less pain and reduced use of narcotics
● Less effect on the immune system
Schedule your colonoscopy screening today with one of the Jackson Medical Group specialists by calling 305-585-4JMG or visit us online at JacksonMedicalGroup.org
This video shows a minimally invasive robot for colonoscopy:
https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/7264
This technology minimizes the pain and discomfort.