About Colorectal Cancer

In many cases, colorectal cancer can be detected early, which significantly increases the chances for successful treatment. MyMichigan Medical Center has state-of-the art detection and treatment equipment generally only found at academic medical centers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Change in bowel habits
• Narrow, pencil-thin stools
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps
• A sensation that the bowel doesn't completely empty
• Unexplained weight loss

Researchers have identified several factors that may put you at risk for colorectal cancer, including:

• Family history - You may be at risk if:
  • A first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, has had the disease
  • A first-degree relative has had a hereditary colon polyp disorder, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • A first-degree relative has had hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
  • You are of Jewish or Eastern European descent
• You have an inflammatory intestinal condition
• You eat a high-fat diet
• You smoke or drink excessively
• You have a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
• You are obese

Take charge of your health by being tested early for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent when it is diagnosed at an early, localized stage. These are the most common tests for detecting colorectal cancer:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)- In a DRE, your health care provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)- The FOBT is used to find small amounts of occult (hidden) blood in the stool. You may be given a special home kit with instructions on how to take a stool sample, and then you will mail or bring the kit to your provider's office for testing. Some screening FOBT tests use a special paper that changes color when dropped into the toilet.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy- This 10- to 20-minute test involves inserting a slender, lighted tube into the rectum, so that the doctor or health care provider can look inside the rectum and part of the colon for cancer or polyps. Polyps are small, mushroom-shaped or flat growths on the side of the colon. Colon cancer most often starts with a polyp.
• Colonoscopy- This test involves a longer lighted tube, which allows the doctor to see the entire colon. If a polyp is detected during this 30- to 60-minute procedure, it can be removed. If anything appears abnormal in the colon, a biopsy can be done, whereby a small piece of tissue is removed through the colonoscopy and sent to the lab for testing.
• Double-contrast Barium Enema- During this 30- to 45-minute procedure, you drink a solution of barium sulfate to coat your large intestine, which is then injected with air and X-rayed to locate abnormal growths.
• Given ® Diagnostic System (smart camera)- This exam involves swallowing a tiny camera that takes pictures of your digestive system as it travels through your body. This painless method allows you to go about your normal activities while the pictures are being recorded on a wearable sensor. MyMichigan is the first provider in the area to offer this unique new system.

Starting at age 45 all men and women should begin screening for colon cancer with a stool based test or colonoscopy. After discussion with your provider, the following screening schedule should be adopted:

• Yearly Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Yearly FOBT, plus sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Double-contrast barium enema every five years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• People with risk factors should consider earlier or more frequent screenings, as directed by a doctor

In addition to regular screenings, here are some guidelines that may help you reduce your risk for colorectal cancer:

• Eat a well-balanced diet each day, with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables and 25 to 30 grams of fiber
• Limit fats, especially saturated fats
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes three or four days a week
• Limit your daily alcohol intake
• If you smoke, quit

MyMichigan Health's board certified colon & rectal surgeons have completed advanced training in the diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of disorders and diseases of the colon and rectum, anal canal and perianal area. They treat benign and malignant conditions, perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat disorders when necessary.

• Fellowship trained surgeons in colon & rectal surgery:
  • Midland - Kristin Busch, M.D., Sarah Diaz, D.O., and George Zainea, M.D.
• Conditions treated include:
  • Colon Cancer
  • Rectal Cancer
  • Diverticulitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
  • Anorectal Diseases (hemorrhoids, anal fissure and anorectal abscess)
  • Fecal Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Rectal Prolapse
  • Inherited Colorectal Cancer Syndromes
  • Volvulus (twisting of the colon)

Our comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Program features:

• Ongoing collaboration with University of Michigan cancer care specialists
• Accredited Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena and Midland which have received commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC)
• A multidisciplinary approach to colon & rectal cancer diagnosis and treatment which includes general and colon & rectal surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
• Access to comprehensive cancer treatments including specialized surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy