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8 Colon Cancer Symptoms that Men Should Not Ignore

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Men are notorious for not going to the doctor, whether it is for a routine physical, a sick visit or a screening. However, when it comes to colon cancer, a visit to the doctor could be the best decision you ever make. According to Livescience, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 51,783 Americans died from colon cancer in 2011, which makes colon cancer the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening tests like a colonoscopy may not sound pleasant, but they can offer the best view of the colon to determine whether you have a colon polyp which could develop into colon cancer.

Even though colon cancer is often accompanied by no symptoms at all, there are several warning signs that you should recognize (Source: Newsmax). If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment right away with your doctor to be examined:

  1. Changes in bowel habits—Long, pencil-like stools could indicate a bowel obstruction. Thin stools that are recurrent could mean that there is a problem.
  2. Blood in the stool—Stools can be red, purple, maroon or black and tarry in appearance. Do not assume that blood is from hemorrhoids.
  3. Cramps and bloating—Occasional cramps or bloating associated with gas is common, but persistent abdominal pain needs to be analyzed by your doctor.
  4. Diarrhea or constipation—These are opposite problems, but the both can be a symptom of colon cancer if they are both happening frequently.
  5. Feeling like your bowel is not empty—A blockage can make you feel like you have not fully eliminated your bowel.
  6. Fatigue—Cancer cell growth can make you feel exhausted and run down, so tell your doctor if you feel a dramatic decrease in energy or endurance.
  7. Unexpected weight loss—The presence of a tumor may cause you to lose your appetite, which results in weight loss.
  8. Shortness of breath—Cancer slows the body down, making you feel excessively weak and out of breath.

If something doesn’t seem right, you should at least put in a call to your doctor. Don’t try to diagnose your condition on the internet or ask friends what they would do in your situation. Consult your doctor and be willing to make an appointment if necessary. It will mean peace of mind–or early intervention.

9 States with the Highest Colorectal Cancer Rates

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Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, but treatment requires diagnosis, and diagnosis requires screening. Unfortunately, millions of Americans forego colorectal cancer screening and colorectal cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 percent of adults in the United States have never been screened for colorectal cancer. About two-thirds (65 percent) were up to date in screenings, and 7 percent had been screened but were not current on their screenings.

Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms until it is in advanced stages, which makes it even more dangerous. The “Why should I go to the doctor if I feel fine?” mentality just doesn’t work when it comes to colorectal cancer because often there is no accompanying pain. Diagnosis is usually shocking and sometimes devastating.

For the first time in 13 years, colorectal cancer has gotten the attention it deserves. President Obama declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. A nationally recognized month has helped spread awareness about colorectal cancer and the need for screening.

In 2011, the CDC gathered data from the 50 states to rank the states with the highest rates of colorectal cancer. The ranking may surprise you, but the numbers don’t lie. Here are the results from highest overall incidence rate to lower. The number that follows indicates the cases of colorectal cancer per 100,000 people.

  1. Kentucky (58.8)
  2. Mississippi (58.5)
  3. West Virginia (57.0)
  4. Hawaii (56.2)
  5. Louisiana (55.9)
  6. Iowa (54.6)
  7. Illinois (53.9)
  8. South Dakota (52.5)
  9. Pennsylvania (51.3)

We have the power to change these statistics, one colonoscopy at a time. If you have not had a colon screening, promise yourself to make that call today. Also, encourage a loved one to schedule a colonoscopy, and offer to drive him or her to and from the procedure. Colorectal cancer incidences can drop dramatically if we do our part to spread the word and stay up to date on our own screenings.

Katie Couric Stands Up to Colon Cancer

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It seems like every celebrity has a cause. They cynical part of me wonders if there is any real passion behind the fundraising or if it’s just the cool thing to do to have a charity to support. But when I read about or watch Katie Couric share about her initiatives to stamp out colon cancer, I know she’s the real deal. To increase awareness of colon cancer in the month of March, Katie shared some of her story about how she became an advocate for colon screening and education.

Sometimes a cause finds you even when you are not looking. Eighteen years ago, Katie got a phone call her husband. Jay Monahan, was doubled over in pain. Jay’s bowel was completely obstructed by a tumor the size of an orange. After a 9-month battle, colon cancer took Jay’s life. Now, Katie has made it her life’s work to be a spokeswoman for cancer. She founded Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) with eight other women, and she has TV networks as full collaborators. Athletes, television personalities and big screen actors and actresses have joined with Katie to support her cause, but there is still more work to do. She says this of her ongoing work: “There has been progress, but it’s uneven. A 30 percent decline in colon cancer cases is encouraging, but so many people who should be getting screened aren’t. The well-to-do-and/or well educated largely get tested, while the medically underserved and the uninsured often do not.”

Katie has also impacted individuals on a personal level, engaging in conversations with people she encounters on an everyday basis. She is touched when men and women open up about how cancer has affected someone they love. Remember how she aired her colonoscopy on national television to support the importance of regular colon screenings? Katie says that, more than any other comment, when people meet her they often say, “I got a colonoscopy because of you, and it saved my life!”

Who would have guessed that one of the most recognizable news anchors would someday be just as well-known for her advocacy for cancer? Sometimes life takes us in directions that we could never imagine and gives us passions that surprise us. It is impossible to put a number on how many millions of people have been impacted by Katie Couric’s courage and determination to spread awareness about cancer, but her effect has been profound. Maybe you won’t remember any specific interviews that Katie has done in her career, but you probably won’t forget her passion for cancer screening, early detection and treatment. She certainly would prefer that. Every man or woman who is influenced by her campaign is a way to honor her late husband’s memory. This is not just a temporary cause that will be thrown to the wayside. She’s in this for the long haul and it shows. Katie Couric’s passion is real. Her mission is clear. And I’m a believer.

Your Laxative Could be Preventing – or Causing – Colorectal Cancer

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If you take laxatives, pay attention to the type you are purchasing. According to a large study that involved more than 75,000 adults in Washington, the type of laxative you buy could help prevent colorectal cancer or could increase your risk. Fiber-based laxatives are associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer, and non-fiber laxatives may significantly increase your risk for the disease.

Twenty percent of Americans use laxatives, so this is pertinent information for millions of men and women. What is the difference between the two types of laxatives? Non-fiber laxatives are more common, and they force the colon to contract. Fiber-based laxatives get their effectiveness from increasing water volume in the intestines to create bulk in the stool and move it through the colon.

Just how much does the type of laxative affect your colorectal cancer risk? The study found that men and women who used non-fiber laxatives five or more times per year had a 49 percent increase risk for colorectal cancer. Conversely, using a fiber-based laxative at least four days per week for four years lowered the risk for colorectal cancer by 56 percent!

Jessica Citronberg, M.P.H., a predoctoral fellow in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutch, authored the study. She responded to the results by saying, “I wouldn’t necessarily jump the gun and say because of this study people should stop taking stimulant laxatives. I think the better route to go would just be to have a healthy diet. While the study results suggest that non-fiber laxatives increase your risk and fiber laxatives decrease your risk, more research is needed” (Source: Webwire).

Can I Have Colon Cancer With No Symptoms?

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Our bodies are amazing machines. They operate with precision until something goes wrong. We can often rely on our bodies to tell us when something is amiss. When we feel pain, soreness, fever or weakness, this could be a warning sign for an underlying condition. But can we always count on a physical symptom to indicate disease?

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. It is expected that colon cancer will claim the lives of 50,310 Americans this year. One of the reasons that colon cancer is such a threat is because it often has no symptoms in the early stages. Often, there are no signs or pain until the disease has advanced. Symptoms may increase in severity as the disease progresses, and by the time colon cancer is discovered, it may have already spread to other tissues.

When colon cancer symptoms are present, they may include:

  • Abdominal discomfort and bloating
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Pelvic pain
  • Dark patches of blood in the stool or long, thin stools
  • Changes in bowel movements
  • Feeling of not emptying bowels completely

In the early stages of the disease, colorectal cancer symptoms may be minimal, or not present at all. As the disease progresses, though, symptoms may increase in quantity and degree of severity. Because colorectal cancer symptoms often do not present themselves until the disease has progressed past the early stages, regular colon screening is recommended, and should be part of a continued health plan for anyone over 50. If you are under 50 and have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, you should talk with your doctor about when you should start regular screening. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon screening because it is the most comprehensive colon examination, offering diagnosis and polyp removal in the same procedure. The best way to prevent colon cancer is to know the warning signs of colon cancer and follow your doctor’s recommendation for colon screenings.

What Is the Difference between Hemorrhoids and Colon Cancer?

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Most people assume they have hemorrhoids when they have painful, swollen, bleeding tissue in the rectal area. This may be accurate, as about 89 percent of all Americans develop hemorrhoids at some point in life. Hemorrhoids are painful, itching or bleeding areas of varicose veins located in the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids can result from pregnancy, straining while using the restroom, lifting heavy objects or sitting for long periods of time. They can get worse over the years, but fortunately, they can be treated quite easily. Over two thirds of all healthy individuals reporting for a physical examination have hemorrhoids, so this condition does not mean that a person is ill.

Not all rectal symptoms are related to hemorrhoids. Research from the Hemorrhoid Care Medical Clinic showed that 90 percent of colon and rectal cancer patients initially thought that they had hemorrhoids. Many Americans are completely unaware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer, so it is important to know the warning signs. Sometimes, colorectal cancer has no symptoms, but some people do experience:

  • Excessive gas
  • Blood in the stool
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Change in shape and color of stools
  • Feelings of incomplete evacuation
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation

If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and ask for information about a colon screening. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and 1 in every 17 Americans will get colorectal cancer during their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are thought to be preventable with appropriate screening (Source: Hemorrhoid.net).

There are many screening methods for colon cancer, but the most effective screening test is the colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to view the entire length of your colon to determine the health of your digestive tract. A long, flexible tube called a colonoscope contains a camera which allows your doctor to locate any polyps or abnormalities. If a polyp is discovered during the procedure, your doctor can remove it during the colonoscopy for biopsy and further evaluation.

If you notice any changes in your rectal area or in your bowel habits, see your doctor right away. There’s no benefit to suffering in silence, so get the help you need by making an appointment.

Family History Could Cover Your Colonoscopy

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Does colon cancer run in your family? If so, you could be eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy before the age of 50.

Adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should get a baseline colonoscopy at 50 years of age, but if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, you should be screened earlier.  A family history of colon cancer is defined as having a first degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with colon cancer, precancerous polyps or cancerous polyps.

How do I find out if I am eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy?

If you meet these criteria, there are specific steps that you should take so that you can be eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy before the age of 50.

  1. Find out what age your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps.
  2. Talk to your primary care physician and say, “My __________ (mother, father, sister or brother) was diagnosed with colon cancer/polyps at the age of ___.  I need to have ‘family history of colon cancer and/or polyps’ added into my medical records.” The records should include the family member(s) and the age(s).
  3. Call your insurance provider and convey the same information. Ask the representative to notate this information in your records.
  4. Ask your insurance provider if you have colonoscopy screening benefits in your policy. This benefit may vary among policies even within the same provider. Not all private insurance has colonoscopy screening benefits, and it is up to you to find out before you schedule your colonoscopy.
  5. Ask your insurance provider, “At what age am I eligible for screening benefits?” Some policies may allow you a screening colonoscopy at the same age as your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, and some policies may allow you to have a screening performed earlier.
  6. Ask your insurance provider, “How much it will cost if the gastroenterologist finds a polyp in during my colonoscopy?” Polyp removal and biopsy often do not fall under “screening” so they may be filed under “medical.”  This would affect your financial responsibility, althought pathology (tests on the polyp(s) removed) is usually not exceptaionally expensive and is a small price to pay for preventing cancer!  Also important, ask whether the colonoscopy would change from a screening colonoscopy to a diagnostic colonoscopy if a polyp is discovered and how that may affect your payment.

When your doctor and insurance provider are aware of your family history and you are aware of your benefits, you can now safely schedule your colonoscopy.

How much will my colonoscopy cost me?

When there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps, some insurance providers pay 100 percent of colonoscopy screenings. Others may pay 80 percent or 90 percent, so be aware of your portion of the cost-share. Remember that all coverage and cost-sharing questions are policy-specific and only your health care provider can answer these questions for you. As tempting as it is to ask a friend, “How much was your colonoscopy?” remember that your benefits are specific to your plan.

Having a family history of colon cancer may be enough to qualify you for a free or low-cost colonoscopy under your health plan. It is essential that you initiate the process by asking the right questions and having proper documentation in your medical records and health plan records. Talk to your doctor and insurance provider so you can have a colonoscopy screening when the time is right for you. Most colon cancer is very treatable when found in the early stages, and early screening means prevention, early detection and early treatment!

Colon Cancer Survival Rates

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Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when found in the early stages. However, just like any other disease, it is more difficult to cure as the illness progresses. Let’s examine each stage of colon cancer and its corresponding survival rates, according to the American Cancer Society:

Stage 0

The cancer is isolated to the innermost lining of the colon. The tumor and surrounding tissue can be removed, and the patient is considered cured.

Stage I

The colon tumors have spread beyond the inner lining of the colon to the second and third layers or even the inside walls of the colon. Surgery to remove the cancer and surrounding tissues offers a five-year survival rate of 93 percent.

Stage II

Colon cancer has spread through the muscular wall of the colon, but is not present in the lymph nodes. Treatments can include surgery, as well as chemotherapy for a small percentage of patients. The five-year survival rate for stage II colon cancer is 78 percent.

Stage III

The cancer has spread past the colon to one or more lymph nodes. Stage III colon cancer is divided into three subcategories:

  • IIIA— Tumors are within the colon wall but lymph nodes are affected
  • IIIB— Tumors have grown through the colon wall and have spread to one to four lymph nodes
  • IIIC— Tumors have spread to more than four lymph nodes

Treatments may include surgery to remove the tumor and lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiation. The five-year survival rate for stage III is about 64 percent, but patients who have fewer lymph nodes affected have a better prognosis.

Stage IV

Colon cancer has spread outside the colon to other organs such as the liver and lungs. The tumor can vary in size and may or may not affect the lymph nodes. Treatment may include:

  • Surgery to remove the diseased colon and reattach the healthy colon
  • Removal of parts of the liver, lungs, ovaries or other affected organs
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Drugs used in conjunction with chemotherapy

The five-year survival rate for stage IV colon cancer is about 8 percent (Source: Web MD).

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Colon cancer has a highly favorable prognosis when the cancer is discovered early. The best way to stay colon cancer-free is to schedule regular colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is the most effective test to diagnose colon cancer or remove suspicious polyps. Colon cancer is the only cancer that has a screening that provides both prevention and treatment in the same examination. Find out more about when you should have your baseline colonoscopy by contacting a treatment center near you.

What are the Different Types of Polyps?

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You have most likely heard of colon polyps. Polyps are the precursor of colon cancer. Did you know that there are different types of polyps? Polyps can be knobby or flat, and some polyps tend to be benign while some polyps are at higher risk for cancer. Let’s go over the basic categories of polyps:

Hyperplastic polyps

> These polyps are small and circular, measuring less than ¼ -inch wide. Usually, hyperplastic polyps are benign. However, if hyperplastic polyps are discovered on the right side of the colon, they should be completely removed because they carry risk for cancer.

 

Adenomas

> Adenomas tend to be circular in shape as well. They account for about 75 percent of all colon polyps, so they are certainly the most common. These polyps are considered precancerous and should be removed. If adenomas are left to grow, they can turn into cancer. There are three types of adeonomas:

 

  • Villous—tend to be the largest and are most likely to become cancerous
  • Tubular—tend to be the least likely to become cancerous
  • Tubulovillous—considered to have a higher risk of malignant transformation than tubular adenoma

Flat Polyps

> Many polyps are easy to detect because they appear like a mushroom. Some polyps are flat, and these can be easily missed during a colonoscopy. Sometimes called lesions, flat polyps can be just as deadly as circular polyps. More studies are revealing the dangers of flat polyps, and gastroenterologists are taking special measures to look for flat polyps during colonoscopies. Flat polyps can be removed just like other types of polyps, but viewing them can be difficult because they appear level or like a small indentation.

 

Rely on the Expertise of Your Doctor

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While round or circular polyps are much more common, a significant percentage of cancers are found in flat, depressed growths. In fact, researchers found that flat growths are nearly 10 times more likely to be cancerous than polyps. Because flat polyps can be so dangerous, it is important to have a thorough colonoscopy. A skilled gastroenterologist can identify and remove suspicious polyps during the procedure, and a trained pathologist can review specimens to examine for cancerous cells. Now that doctors know more about flat polyps, they know what to look for during the exam (Source: NBC News).

The patient has a responsibility as well. Your preparation for the procedure will make it easier or more difficult for the gastroenterologist to see. A complete colon cleanse is essential for maximum viewing, especially for flat polyps. If you have questions about how to effectively prepare for your colonoscopy, talk to your doctor or read “Your Guide to an Easy Prep.”

Does a Colon Polyp Always Mean Colon Cancer?

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Most colon polyps are noncancerous tissue that can sometimes develop into colon cancer. Colon cancer usually begins as a polyp, or a growth on the inner surface of the colon. Polyps are made of clumps of cells that grow slowly over time. If left to grow, larger polyps can bleed or even block the colon. In the most severe cases, polyps can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation.

Do polyps always mean colon cancer? Not at all. Having colon polyps increases the likelihood to have more polyps in the future, but it does not necessarily mean that you have colon cancer. Having polyps will make you a candidate for more routine colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is the most effective type of screening method for colon cancer. Your doctor can examine the entire colon for precancerous polyps and remove any suspicious polyps during the procedure. For larger polyps, a biopsy can be taken during the colonoscopy to test for cancerous cells.

Regular colon screenings are important because polyps can move progressively from noncancerous to cancerous. There are two main types of polyps in the colon and rectum:

Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps
These polyps are not at high risk for becoming cancerous, except for large hyperplastic polyps on the right side of the colon. These polyps are more concerning and should be removed entirely.

Adenomas and adenomatous polyps
These are considered pre-cancerous and should be removed. Often, if left alone, these polyps can turn into cancer. One specific type of condition is called familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited disorder in which patients develop multiple noncancerous polyps in their teenage years, and polyps progressively become malignant.

Colon cancer and cancerous polyps often have no symptoms, so the most important thing to remember is to talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened. Regular screening significantly lowers your risk for colon cancer, and the disease is highly treatable when found in the early stages. Not all polyps are cancerous, but don’t take a chance. Schedule your colonoscopy today by contacting one of our treatment centers.