The early detection of colon cancer can save lives. Unlike most cancers, colon cancer can be prevented with screening and can be treatable when found early. At Austin Surgeons, we are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of colon cancer screening because anyone can develop this sometimes-silent disease.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to an abnormal tissue growth, or a polyp, that develops in your colon or rectum. Often referred to as a silent killer, the most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom at all. When they do occur, the primary symptoms are:
- Rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Why Should You Get Screened?
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. In 2022 alone, it's estimated that over 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer.
Several at-home screening tests that detect blood in the stool are now available. These tests are done once a year and are referred to as FOBT, FIT, or FIT-DNA tests. If the results of these screening tests are abnormal, a colonoscopy will still be needed. A colonoscopy is often referred to as the ‘gold standard’ for colon cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends all men and women without a family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45. Certain risk factors may require you to be screened earlier. Talk to your doctor about when you should be screened.
Colon Cancer Surgery
Colon cancer treatment options depend on several factors including the stage and location of the cancer. Surgery is often the most recommended course of treatment although some early-stage colon cancers can be removed during a colonoscopy. When part of the colon and the nearby lymph nodes need to be removed, our surgeons perform a colectomy, where they remove the cancerous segment of the colon and reattach the remaining healthy sections. A colectomy can be performed via an open procedure (a single incision in the abdomen) or through a minimally invasive technique (laparoscopically or robotically). Some advanced cancers may require a colostomy, where the colon is brought out through an opening in the skin of the abdomen, called a stoma, to eliminate waste during recovery. These are often temporary and can be reversed later.
Austin Surgeons board-certified general surgeons are highly trained in colon cancer surgery and work together with a team of doctors to ensure the best possible surgical outcomes. When caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. We recommend talking to your doctor about possible risk factors and a screening plan that is right for you.
For more information on colon cancer surgery, or to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified general surgeons, book an appointment online or call 512-467-7151. For the latest Austin Surgeons news, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.