Colon Cancer in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
Your colon is the last portion of your gastrointestinal network where the body withdraws water and salt from feces. Colorectal cancer occurs when cancerous growths evolve in the colon. The cancer begins as benign masses named polyps. Polyps are minor bunches of cells that can ultimately become colon tumors. Colon and rectal cancer is more common in older adults and is the second-leading general cancer found in both genders put together. It is critical to receive a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then as advised by your GI provider. To book a colorectal cancer screening in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, request a consultation at GI Alliance of Illinois today.
What are the symptoms and risk factors of colorectal cancer?
With the fitting care and focus, it is our wish that if you have the early indicators of colon and rectal cancer, prompt therapy might assist you with a more optimistic outcome. If you are undergoing any of these symptoms regularly, please book an appointment with a Illinois gastroenterologist at GI Alliance of Illinois today:
- Constant urges to defecate
- A sudden alteration in bowel customs, including constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the consistency of your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomforts, such as cramps, bloating, or pain
- Pain during bowel movements
- Blood in stool
- Any of this list coupled with weakness and tiredness
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
A few of the factors that may put an individual at increased risk for colon and rectal cancer are:
- Age: Colon cancer is usually discovered in persons who are older than 50; although, the rates of colon and rectal cancer in young people have been increasing.
- Race: Individuals of the African-American race possess an increased danger of colorectal cancer compared to other races.
- Family history: If you or a relative has had colorectal cancer or colon growths, you possess a higher risk of colon and rectal cancer.
- Inflammatory intestinal ailments: Chronic conditions, like Crohn's disease and colitis, can raise your risk of colorectal cancer.
- “Common Western Diet”: Colorectal cancer has been linked with a decreased fiber, high fat, and high-calorie diet.
Survival percentages for colon cancer
Cancer rates of survival are distributed into types and are subject to the extent it to which it has spread upon discovery. Localized colorectal cancer is cancer that is simply in the colon. Regional colon cancer is when the disease moves to the nearby cells and body parts, and distant is if the condition has spread to distant sections of the body.
- Localized colon cancer: 90 percent 5-year survival rate
- Regional colon cancer: 71 percent 5-year survival rate
- Distant colon cancer: 14 percent 5-year survival rate
If the condition is diagnosed early in Illinois, and strictly appears in minimal malignant polyps, then the polyps can be excised leading to remarkably elevated survival rates.
We propose obtaining a colonoscopy at the age of 45 in order to identify cancer quickly. If colorectal cancer is in your family history, then we recommend having a screening for colorectal cancer at GI Alliance of Illinois sooner.
What are the possible treatments for colon cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer in Illinois patients can change depending on the phase of the cancer. Every situation is unique, but the foremost thing you can carry out for colon cancer is to completely avoid it.
Avoidance
Colorectal cancer is a unique variety of cancer considering it is stoppable. Colorectal cancer first shows up in the form of polyps. These tumors can be withdrawn, which reduces your danger of passing away from cancer by 90%. Your personal danger and prevention steps can be discussed at a colon cancer test with your GI physician.
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Stage 0 colorectal cancer is when the colorectal cancer has not dispersed outside the inner lining of the colon. If the tumor is small enough, it can be simply eliminated using a colonoscope during a colonoscopy.
Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment
If the growth is entirely eliminated during a colonoscopy with no cancer cells at the edges, no additional intervention may be necessary. If the extracted growth does possess cancerous cells at the edges, additional extraction might be needed to clear the residual cancerous tissue. For cancers not in a growth, a partial colectomy may be needed to withdraw the portion of the colon and close-by lymph nodes that are cancerous.
Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment
Normally, in stage 2, surgery is carried out to remove the area of the colon or nearby lymph nodes containing cancer. Occasionally, your doctor will recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo following surgery) as well.
Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment
A partial colectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the common treatment for this stage of colon cancer.
Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment
This stage of the condition commonly means that the condition has dispersed to other tissues or organs. Surgery might be necessary to withdraw portions of cancer discovered in the colon and additional organs, in addition to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this phase is usually administered prior to and after surgery.
To learn more about how to receive proper treatment, schedule a consultation at GI Alliance of Illinois.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What causes colorectal cancer?
Although the specific cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, it results when mutated cells in the walls of the rectum or large intestine multiply of control, producing a growth or tumor. There are specific factors that may amplify the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. These can involve lifestyle choices, like using tobacco or drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits, in addition to having a hereditary or familial predisposition.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colon cancer is usually diagnosed when undergoing a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the most commonly performed, effective, and thorough screening option for detecting colon and rectal cancer. Other testing, such as virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and fecal tests, may also be performed during a screening for colon cancer. Your GI Alliance of Illinois gastroenterologist will advise you on the optimal method of diagnosis and screening to address your unique needs.
How rapidly does colon cancer grow?
Colon cancer grows slowly in many cases. The disease typically starts as a benign polyp or growth in the large bowel or rectum that turns malignant as time goes on. Having symptoms when polyps are present is rare; therefore, regular colorectal cancer screenings are imperative to finding this disease as early as possible.
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Cancer of the colon or rectum can often be prevented with periodic colon cancer tests. Because colon cancers start as premalignant polyps (growths), having screenings as advised by your physician can help minimize the risk of getting this disease. Our Illinois gastroenterologists can review further details on how to manage your risk for colon cancer during a consultation at one of our locations.
Treatment for colon cancer patients
If you or a loved one suspects or has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, take comfort in proficient support being nearby. GI Alliance of Illinois is a doctor-led network of gastroenterologists, and all of our board-certified GI physicians put the comfort and security of our clients before everything else. To learn additional information about colon cancer and how it may be discovered and prevented, or to find treatment for colon cancer in Illinois, please reach out to our practice today.
Reviews
Dr. Janda is an excellent doctor and wonderful person. He has treated my mom, aunt, dad and I for years. He helped my aunt overcome colon cancer and was a great support, and skillful and knowledgeable physician during my dad’s battle with cancer. Dr. Janda is personable, kind and genuinely cares for the well being of his patients. He even came to the office on a Saturday when no one else was there to see me and some other patients in need. I highly recommend Dr. Janda!!
Dr. Rjesh Pillai is an excellent highly educated doctor that has treated me for years and during my yearly checkup caught early stage Colon cancer. He also has treated me for Celiac for years. I value his knowledge and caring manner.
Dr Penn is passionate about eradicating colon cancer. High energy and explains everything in a way that anyone can understand.
I've had 5 colonoscopy's since age 42 after my dad died of colon cancer. Dr. Stinneford has performed every one. Will continue with him until he retires. 👍
Dr Victor and his staff have taken care of me for 12 years. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010 and I was only 38. Dr Victor was there for me and always remembers that day - his staff demonstrated empathy for me and my family. Dr. Victor answers my concerns and his staff always ensures I am comfortable - they are all very easy to talk to. I appreciate each of them!!
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