Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnose and Treat Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer stands as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, with a lifetime risk estimated at 1 in 24 to 1 in 26 individuals, highlighting the importance of screening for early detection and prevention. Regular screening methods, such as colonoscopy or stool-based testing, can uncover precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer when treatment is most effective, significantly enhancing outcomes. It is recommended that screening for colon cancer begin at the age of 45 or earlier for those with risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer, as it plays a crucial role in saving lives by identifying issues before symptoms manifest. Doctors at Loyola recommend regular screening tests, particularly for individuals with a hereditary predisposition to colorectal cancer, since colonoscopies can detect polyps before they develop into cancer. For additional details, please explore our colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
Doctors at Loyola are trained to recognize colorectal cancer symptoms, and are committed to the expert diagnosis and care of our patients. Colorectal cancer symptoms may include the following:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Fatigue
- Frequent bloating
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
A patient’s personal family and medical history, symptoms and physical exam may aid in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. If cancer is suspected, your doctor may order additional testing, which can include:
- Barium enema
- Biopsy
- Colonoscopy
- CT scan (computed tomography)
- Digital rectal exam
- Fecal test
- Rectal ultrasound
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Virtual colonoscopy
How is Colorectal Cancer Treated?
Loyola is recognized for its multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Oncology Center, which provides access to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, colon and rectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists and geneticists in one visit. Our experienced team of colon and rectal surgeons are skilled at treating all types of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal (bowel) cancer treatment is specific to each individual patient, and depends on the size, type, location and stage of the cancer. In most cases, one of the following treatment options will be offered:
- Chemotherapy
- Cryosurgery
- Radiation therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Loyola has the unique distinction of offering patients transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), which uses special scopes and instruments to remove polyps or tumors that traditional instruments cannot remove. Loyola’s surgeons are uniquely trained and qualified to perform this procedure.
Preventing Colorectal Cancer through Colonscopy
Doctors at Loyola recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colorectal cancer. Receiving a regular colonoscopy, particularly if you have a hereditary predisposition to colorectal cancer, can help identify polyps before they become colon cancer. Learn more about our colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer Research and Clinical Trials
As part of an academic medical center, our faculty members educate and train medical students and surgical residents, and are actively engaged in research that leads to better treatments and patient care for colorectal cancer.
As a patient at Loyola, you will have access to leading-edge treatments and a broad menu of clinical trials.
