Dr. Kambam on the Advancements in Colorectal Cancer
Watch an interview with Dr. Madhavi Kambam to learn about advances in treatment of colon and rectal cancer.
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, after skin, prostate, and lung cancer. It is also the fourth most common cancer in women, after skin, breast, and lung cancer. It refers to cancers that originate in either the colon or rectum. At NYOH we treat both kinds of cancer each of our seven convenient locations.
There is growing concern about the increased incidence rate of colorectal cancer for men and women under age 50. Physicians and researchers believe the jump is linked to the obesity epidemic, including poor diet and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
If detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, however it is important to know the warning signs:
- Change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding
- Dark stools
- Cramping
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Talk to you doctor right away if you develop these symptoms.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Starting at age 50, men and women with an average risk for developing colorectal cancer should talk to their doctor about scheduling one of the screening tests below:
- Tests that find polyps and cancer
- Colonoscopy every
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Double-contrast barium enema
- There are additional tests that are mainly used to detect cancer. These include:
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
- Stool DNA test