Colorectal cancer—a term that describes cancer of the colon or rectum—is among the most diagnosed cancers in the U.S. It typically begins when clumps of cells (called polyps) form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. If not diagnosed and treated early, those cells may develop into cancer. Speak with an expert at Bayhealth about treatment options.
Industry Leaders in Rectal Cancer Care
As one of the first 50 health systems nationally to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), Bayhealth upholds a commitment to the highest-quality patient care. Our team remains at the forefront of medical advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Learn more about our awards and accreditations.
Signs & Symptoms
While colorectal cancer doesn’t always present clear symptoms during its early stages, among the most common signs are abnormal bowel habits. Examples include persistent changes to your bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), unusual stool consistency, or the feeling that your bowel isn’t fully emptying during movements. Other signs include the following.
- Bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stool
- Discomfort in your abdomen such as gas, cramps, or sharp pain
- Weakness or fatigue that occurs more than usual
- Weight loss that happens for no known reason
Speak to your doctor or gastroenterologist if you’ve been experiencing these symptoms.
Risk Factors & Prevention
Among the main risk factors for colorectal cancer are the following.
- Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases as you get older, which is why regular screenings starting around age 45 are recommended.
- Race and Ethnicity: Though the reasons for this remain unclear, colorectal cancer occurs among African Americans at greater rates.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: People who are inactive most days (for example: sitting at a desk for work) are more likely to develop colorectal cancer during their lives. Prioritizing routine exercise or other physical activity may lower your risk.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use: People who smoke or have a history of tobacco use may be at higher risk, as well as those who drink alcohol often and heavily.
- Weight and Dietary Habits: The risk of colorectal cancer can be higher among people whose body weight far exceeds the average (obesity). There are also associated risks around diets that mostly consist of high-fat and low-fiber meals.
Family and Personal History
A family history of colorectal cancer can increase the risk that you will develop the disease at some point in your life. In clinical partnership with Penn Medicine’s Telegenetics Program, Bayhealth provides genetic counseling services to our patients. Using video-conferencing software that can be accessed at our Kent and Sussex campuses, genetic counselors at the Abramson Cancer Center will discuss your personal and family history with you and make genetic testing recommendations. These tests provide insight into your cancer risks and help our multidisciplinary medical team to determine the best treatment plan for your condition. To learn more about our telegenetics program or to participate, call us at 302-674-4401.
Screenings for Colorectal Cancer
Because even cancerous polyps can present few (if any) symptoms, regular screenings are recommended for anyone aged 45 and older. You should consider getting screened at a younger age if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.
In recent years, colorectal cancer rates in Delaware have rapidly declined, due in part to increased screenings throughout the state. Bayhealth participates in the state’s Screening for Life program, which provides access to colorectal cancer screenings and more. For more information, call our colorectal nurse navigator at 302-744-6098.
How We Diagnose Colorectal Cancer
We use the following diagnostic procedures to identify colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy: Our experts insert a narrow tube with a camera through the rectum into the colon to learn if any polyps (small growths) are present that could develop into cancer. If our experts detect any such polyps, they will remove them.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to the colonoscopy, our experts insert a narrow tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the lower part of the colon only. As with the colonoscopy, polyps can be removed during this procedure.
- Computerized Tomography (CT): Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body to determine if disease or physical abnormalities are present.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: A small amount of radioactive material (which is known to absorb into cancer cells more than normal cells) is injected into your bloodstream, allowing a scanner to locate the cancerous cells.
- Biopsy: Surgeons remove part or all of a lymph node or tumor so that it can be examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Treatment Options
Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to outline a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Experts from a range of specialties (such as colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, medical and radiation oncology and pathology) will discuss your condition and determine the best plan of action. Factors we consider when developing your treatment plan include the stage and location of the cancer and your personal medical history.
Treatments for colorectal cancer include the following.
Medical Therapy
Our board-certified oncologists prescribe your medical therapy, and our highly trained nursing staff administers that therapy intravenously, orally or through injection.
Among the medical treatments we provide are the following.
- Targeted Drug Therapy: This type of cancer treatment uses drugs to “target” cancer
cells without affecting normal cells. - Chemotherapy: This drug treatment uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cancer
cells in your body. - Immunotherapy: This treatment option boosts your immune system, empowering it to
fight and destroy cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Our team of board-certified radiation oncologists may use external beam radiation in combination with other treatments to address your cancer. Employing sophisticated technology, our therapists concentrate high-energy beams of radiation on the precise parts of your body affected by disease. This safe and accurate procedure may be administered routinely over a period of days or weeks.
Surgical Approach
Our specialized colorectal surgery team uses the latest in minimally invasive techniques to remove the parts of the colon or rectum affected by disease. Adhering to evidence-based guidelines, our robot-assisted surgical procedures provide safe treatment for all stages of cancer.
Learn more about cancer treatment options at Bayhealth.
Support Services
Before, during and after your cancer treatments, our experts remain dedicated to improving your quality of life. Our care team supports you in establishing healthy routines that help you stay in control of your daily symptoms. We also host support groups that provide patients and families opportunities to connect and share their experiences — because a strong network of support can help to make the realities of cancer more manageable.
- Cancer Support Community: A statewide non-profit organization, the Cancer Support Community, is dedicated to helping people manage the emotional aspects of their cancer journey. Learn more about the Cancer Support Community.
Explore our classes, events, and support groups.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test cutting-edge drugs, procedures and technologies with the purpose of establishing new or better ways of treating cancer. The skilled nurses in our Clinical Research Program can help you find clinical trial options for your specific cancer.
Speak with a Bayhealth expert about cancer treatment options.