How to Choose the Right Oncologist for You
Tips for selecting the right oncologist who is tailored to your needs. Learn about key factors to consider for informed decision-making.
What to Know About Safely Storing Cancer Medications
Here are simple steps to shield your medications from the sun and heat, ensuring they work as intended. Safeguard your health with these storage strategies.
What is Community Oncology?
Learn about the advantages of selecting a community oncology practice for your cancer care and treatment.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen For You
Make an informed decision when selecting the right sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Here is what you need to know.
Man Up Against Cancer: Prevention Tips for Men
Discover essential cancer prevention tips for men of all ages. Learn how to understand cancer risks and take proactive steps to protect your health.
Colorectal Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and Screenings
What to know about colorectal cancer.
The American Cancer Society reported that approximately one in 23 men will develop colorectal cancer (cancer of the large intestine) during their lifetime. Women have a slightly lower risk, with about one in 25 expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Furthermore, experts predict that they will diagnose over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2024. This type of cancer is the third most common across the globe.
The World Health Organization said it is the second top cause of cancer deaths in the US. This means that it is a significant factor in many deaths in the country. Cancer is a serious health issue that affects many people.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is found in the colon or rectum. Certain types of polyps in the large intestine can develop into cancer; however, many polyps detected during screenings often are benign (non-cancerous).
Polyps grow slowly in the intestine lining, underscoring the importance of screening to remove cancerous ones. Additionally, rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults further emphasize the importance of routine screening.
The most common type of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma. Carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, lymphomas and sarcomas are other types of tumors that doctors may find in this region of the body.
Finding polyps early is crucial to preventing cancer. Identifying them in the early stages makes it easier to remove them safely and avoids more invasive surgeries.
Polyps often lack signs or symptoms, so it is more common for physicians to diagnose colorectal cancer at more advanced stages. Regular screening tests like stool tests and colonoscopies are important for finding problems early and getting treatment.
Five Facts About Colorectal Cancer
Whether you are investigating for yourself or a loved one, understanding colorectal cancer can be both confusing and overwhelming. You should keep a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your physician. However, as you look into the diagnosis, here are several details.
- The medical community has accepted colorectal cancer as an umbrella term.
Is colorectal cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer the same or different, and why are they often grouped? Colorectal cancer starts in the large intestine. Colon cancer starts in the colon lining and rectal cancer starts in the rectum tissues. The rectum is the lowest 12 centimeters of the large intestine.
Colon and rectal cancers are grouped together as colorectal cancer because they are detected through similar tests and are treated with somewhat similar medications. - Physicians give cancer the name based on where it starts.
Cancer that spreads to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis, involves other organs throughout the body. If the cancer spreads, the cancer name does not change. For example, if cancer starts in the colon lining and spreads to other parts of the body, physicians still call it colon cancer. - Colorectal cancers begin as polyps.
As explored earlier, polyps form in the lining of the intestine, whether that is in the large intestine or rectum. Colon cancer and rectum cancers both begin as polyps. - Physicians screen for colorectal cancers using the same method.
These cancers are often screened using the same methods. One popular method is colonoscopies. This method leverages a small camera at the end of a flexible tube, allowing the physician to look inside the rectum or colon to identify cancerous polyps. Additional testing to confirm the diagnosis, such as a biopsy, may be required. - However similar, these cancers are different.
Although these tumors may undergo similar screening and exhibit similar symptoms and signs, their treatments may vary. For example, some treatments for colon cancer may not be used for rectal cancer in the treatment plan.
Causes and Risk Factors
The risk of colorectal cancer increases as you age. It has been more common in people 65 years of age and older, with an average diagnosis at age 70.
The American Cancer Society lists other risk factors as obesity, type 2 diabetes, unhealthy diets (such as those high in red and processed meats), smoking and alcohol use.
Additionally, certain unchangeable factors can increase your risk, including racial and ethnic background, personal medical history, and family history.
Signs and Symptoms
Polyps grow slowly over time before potentially becoming cancerous, often without causing immediate signs or symptoms. Colorectal cancer can appear in various ways. These include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, stomach pain, weight loss and low iron levels.
Other medical conditions also exhibit association with these symptoms, so it is important to consult your physician if you experience any of these issues.
Early Detection
According to the American Cancer Society, polyps can take 10 to 15 years to become cancerous. This slow growth and lack of symptoms illustrate why colorectal cancer can develop silently.
Finding issues early can increase survival chances. Screenings are important for catching problems early and improving outcomes.
Tell your physician about any irregularities to catch cancer early and have access to more treatment options if needed. Preventive care is key.
Screenings
Two main cancer screening approaches detect colorectal cancer: stool-based tests and visual exams. Stool tests, which is a less invasive option, analyze stool samples for polyps that are cancerous and can be done at home instead of in the hospital or doctor’s office.
Visual exams allow physicians to directly view the colon’s interior, typically through colonoscopies. The American Cancer Society recently lowered the recommended starting age for screenings to 45 due to rising cancer rates in younger adults.
Colonoscopies use a flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip. During the procedure, the physician inserts the tube through the rectum to examine the entire colon’s lining for polyps. The test itself takes about 15 minutes.
Sigmoidoscopies, another visual exam option, only examine a smaller portion of the colon and are not as widely used as colonoscopies. Another visual exam is a CT colonoscopy, which takes a CT scan of the colon and rectum to identify any abnormalities.
If screenings detect cancer, your physician’s next pivotal task is to identify the stage of the disease. The stage, a critical component in guiding treatment decisions, encompasses a range from stage 0 to stage IV, denoting the extent to which the cancer has spread within the body.
This identification is the foundation that allows the physician to create a targeted and personalized treatment plan that is right for you and your cancer diagnosis. While people have been diagnosed with the same cancer, each malignancy and tumor are distinct, requiring a customized treatment approach.
Related: Cancer Screenings: What You Need to Know
Therapies and Treatments
Many treatments are available for colorectal cancer patients, depending on the type of tumor and stage of the disease. Your physician may advocate for particular treatments because they are more tailored to your unique case. These treatments range from surgery to remove cancerous growths, to radiation, chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs.
Questions to Ask Your Physician
Collecting questions regarding your diagnosis can empower you to make well-informed health decisions. Here are some questions to consider asking your physician and care team:
- What is my diagnosis?
- Where is the cancer located, and has it spread?
- What is the stage of cancer, and what does that mean?
- What are the treatment options for me?
- How quickly do I need to decide on a treatment?
- How long is the treatment, and what will it be like?
- Does this treatment affect my fertility if I plan to have children?
- Will this treatment affect my daily activities? What will I not be able to do during treatment?
- What symptoms and side effects are there?
- How often will I need to visit you during treatment?
- What do you recommend based on your expertise?
- What should I do to plan for treatment?
- If I have transportation concerns, is there help available to get me to and from my treatment?
- What are the chances that this treatment will cure the cancer?
- Will I be able to continue working during treatment?
Related: How to Make the Most Out of Your Oncology Appointment
Understanding the complexities of colorectal cancer is essential. Knowing more about the disease, its symptoms, tests and therapies can empower you to manage your health journey.
It may feel daunting initially, but gaining knowledge is key. Taking control of your health starts with educating yourself. Do not let the amount of information discourage you.
Equipping yourself with the questions you have fosters a collaborative approach to your care, empowering you to actively participate in your journey toward recovery. While the journey may present challenges, there is a wealth of support and resources available to guide you and your loved ones.
To locate an AON partner oncology practice, visit www.AONcology.com/locations
RxConnect Podcast
Join AON Vice President Pharmacy Operations Melody Chang as she speaks with guests speakers on topics from Drug Shortages to their Impact on different types of Cancer Treatments.
Season 1
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Cancer Screenings: What You Need to Know
The most important aspect of maintaining good health is staying informed about preventive care measures. Cancer screenings stand at the forefront of the battle against this devastating disease, offering individuals the opportunity to detect potential threats early on and take proactive steps toward better health outcomes. However, misconceptions and uncertainties often shroud these life-saving procedures. Empower yourself, as a patient, with the insights you need to navigate the realm of cancer screenings and arm yourself with the tools to safeguard your health.
In 2023, there are estimated to be 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses and 609,820 deaths from cancer. It is the second most common cause of death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Preventive measures such as cancer screenings help detect issues early on when intervention has the highest efficacy rate. Despite the benefits of cancer screenings, many people forgo them for various reasons.
According to a release by the Prevent Cancer Foundation®, 39% of survey participants did not know they needed to be screened, 37% of participants had “no symptoms” that would lead them to have a screening and 31% of participants cited the costs associated with screenings as the reason why they did not have them. The good news is that, while insurance coverage for cancer screenings depends on the health plan you are enrolled in, most plans are required to cover some cancer screening costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You can call your health plan and ask to know what is covered as well as any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred from the tests beforehand.
Related: Addressing the Financial Concerns of Cancer Treatment
To ensure your health remains a top priority, cancer screenings are recommended based on age and gender.
- Ages 21 to 29: For women, routine breast examinations can help detect any abnormalities that may lead to breast cancer. Additionally, cervical cancer testing such as a Pap test for women becomes critical to protect against cervical cancer, which is often preventable.
- Ages 30 to 39: Women continue to need frequent breast examinations and cervical cancer testing.
- Ages 40 to 49: Both men and women should begin talking to their physician about colon cancer screenings. Men around the age of 45 are recommended to have prostate cancer screenings. Women continue to need frequent breast examinations and cervical cancer screenings and have the choice to start annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms.
- Ages 50 to 64: Both men and women are recommended to have colon cancer screenings in addition to breast, cervical, colon and prostate screenings. However, both groups should seek out lung cancer testing at this time, especially if they have any history of smoking.
- Ages 65 and up: Breast, cervical, colon, prostate and lung cancer screenings are important, and some cancer screenings are covered by Medicare.
Related: Men’s Health Month: Steps to Reduce Cancer Risks and Lead Healthier Lives
Keep in mind, however, that your physician may recommend certain cancer screenings earlier or more often if you are at higher risk. For example, while colon cancer is most seen in older individuals (aged 45 and up), if you have a high risk for this cancer or a family history of it, you may be asked to have colon cancer tests at a younger age or more frequently. To make sure you are receiving the right cancer screenings at the right time, talk with your physician and discuss the best plan for your unique health situation. Many cancers, if caught early, can be diagnosed and treated — drastically improving the likelihood of survival and success.
Cancer screenings also include a variety of different types of cancer tests and are different from diagnostic testing. Interestingly enough, cancer screenings are not used to detect cancer; this is a common misconception that most people have about screenings. The main goal of screenings is to detect any present abnormalities that will lead to further cancer testing. A physical exam; lab tests such as blood, urine and tissue tests; imaging tests like x-rays; and genetic tests can all identify whether something abnormal may be present. Tests that identify cancer are called diagnostic tests, which include additional laboratory testing, imaging and biopsies that your physician will order.
Learning that you may have cancer is a frightening experience, and at first, you may question the validity of the results. How often are there false positives and false negatives? While cancer screenings and diagnostic tests are not always 100% accurate, there is a lower rate of false positives and false negatives thanks to the advancements in cancer testing as well as the precision used when analyzing samples. Physicians are meticulous in their duties and in reviewing test results. For this reason, physicians will often conduct additional testing to ensure the initial results were correct before beginning any treatments.
If the screening and diagnostic test report that cancer is present, your physician will refer you to a specialist, also known as an oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor who has been trained in diagnosing and treating cancer. You may even transition to an oncologist who has received training in and focuses on your specific type of cancer. Your oncologist will review your medical history, including your cancer screenings and other tests, to determine a treatment plan that is designed uniquely for you.
Stopping cancer in its tracks and before it has had a chance to metastasize begins with a single step: having the recommended cancer screening at the right time in your life. Screenings offer the gift of early detection, allowing you to confront potential cancerous threats head-on and increase the chances of successful treatment. Remember, knowledge is power, and being proactive about your health is an investment that yields invaluable returns.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Oncology Appointment
Heading to an oncology visit can be a daunting experience, filled with questions, uncertainties and a range of other emotions. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can make the most out of each oncology appointment, ensuring you receive the best care, support and information during this crucial time.
Come prepared with the required information. To ease the process of checking in, be sure to come with the right documents and information such as an ID, proof of insurance, a list of current medications and the doses, a list of other physicians you see, and an understanding of your and your family’s medical history. However, if you are still unsure what information to bring along with you, you can call the clinic and ask prior to your appointment.
Come early to check in before your appointment. Running late can easily add extra stress and frustration. Arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This gives you enough time to check in with the receptionist, complete any necessary forms and have a moment to sit before being ushered back. This recommendation also remains true for virtual appointments. Allow yourself time to log in to the platform before your appointment.
Bring someone to support you. You should not have to attend your appointments alone. In fact, having a strong support network, whether that be a family member or friend, can improve the journey and help you stay optimistic despite the current circumstances. This individual can also take notes during the appointment; remind you of any questions you may have missed; ask follow-up questions you may not have thought of; and serve as an interpreter, if needed, to ensure you understand the information.
Related: Cancer’s Impact on Mental Health
Prepare questions to ask the physician. With such a diagnosis, you probably have a long list of questions to ask. When the time comes to meet with your oncologist, you want to make sure your questions are answered. Here are questions you may want to ask the physician:
- What type of cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
- Is there a prognosis at this time?
- What is your experience in treating patients with the same cancer?
- Do I need any additional tests to confirm my diagnosis or to get me started on the treatments?
- What treatment options are available to me that you recommend? What are the side effects of the treatments that I may experience? How long are the treatments?
- What about clinical trials? Are there any that I may be eligible for? What is the success of clinical trials?
- Regarding my diagnosis, what are things I should and should not do to ensure I remain in the best health possible?
- If I have questions or concerns moving forward, whom do I contact? Do I contact the clinic or have a special person on the care team I can call?
- What support and resources are available to me?
Related: Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Ask These Eight Questions
Take notes during your appointment. It may be a simple step that is often overlooked but taking notes during your appointment becomes a resource that you can refer to at a later date and serves to keep your thoughts and appointment information organized. This also is beneficial as you do not have to solely rely on memory to recall important details discussed during the appointment. An additional tip is to store your notes somewhere that is accessible, whether that is on paper or through an app on your phone.
Confirm all important information before leaving. Always verify details from your appointment and review any critical information or next steps with your physician before leaving. Such information as prescription changes, upcoming tests and treatments, and even any lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise are examples of what to verify so that you know what to do moving forward.
Making the most of your oncology appointment is about taking control of your healthcare journey and becoming an empowered patient. Being prepared helps you approach each visit with confidence and clarification so that you can play an active role in the decision-making process. Your appointments with your oncologist are opportunities to gain knowledge and receive guidance on your health. Remember, you are not alone. Your care team is there every step of the way to guide and support you toward better health and healing.
Closing The Cancer Care Gap With Transformational Achievements
At AON, we’re making great strides toward closing the cancer care gap by ensuring every patient has access to the care needed to help fight their cancer. With an expanding network of close to 200 providers in over 75 clinics across 17 states, our practices are not only in big cities, they’re in rural areas where medical resources are scarce. We’re actively enrolling patients in over 150 clinical trials throughout the network, offering more community-based options so that patients don’t have to go far to get the latest treatment. And by responsibly controlling cancer costs and sourcing over $103 million in free medications and financial assistance for patients, we’re increasing access to care for hundreds of cancer patients.
Join the Conversation
Corporate Office
14543 Global Parkway
Suite 110
Fort Myers, FL 33913