Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer refers to cancers in the colon or rectum. Your GI doctor will likely perform gastrointestinal procedures, such as a colonoscopy, to diagnose colorectal cancer. If an abnormality is detected, he or she may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Wesley Healthcare's oncology program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). We offer expert oncologists who partner with other Wesley specialists to treat your specific type of cancer from a multidisciplinary team approach.

Your colorectal treatment in Wichita could include radiation therapy, robotic surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Colon cancer develops from polyps, or growths, within the colon or rectum. These polyps are often noncancerous, however, the cells within the polyps may begin growing abnormally over time, which could make the polyp cancerous.

Wesley is proud to offer colon cancer screenings in Wichita. The most common and most dependable way to screen for colon cancer is with a colonoscopy. This test gives your doctor a clear view of your colon and rectum.

Patients with colon cancer usually do not experience symptoms until the cancer has progressed. This is why regular colon cancer screenings are critical to detect the disease in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute recommends consulting your physician if you are 45 years old or older to determine the right screening test for you. Evidence-based options may include colonoscopy at 10-year intervals or a fecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT) annually.

Patients may experience any of the following symptoms of progressed colorectal cancer:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Abdominal bloating, cramps or discomfort
• A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely
• Stools that are thinner than normal

You may be at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer if you:

• Are 45 years old or older
• Are very overweight
• Are not physically active
• Smoke
• Drink a lot of alcohol
• Eat a lot of red or processed meat
• Have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Have a personal history of type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have an inherited genetic syndrome like Lynch syndrome

If you are at high risk for developing colon cancer, ask your doctor if regular colon cancer screenings are right for you.