Colorectal Cancer

Being Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer

About 150,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, making it the fourth most common cancer. Though colonoscopy procedures have saved countless lives since becoming a widespread screening and detection tool only about 30 years ago, colorectal cancer remains a serious diagnosis. As with most cancers, early detection is key. This is why colonoscopy guidelines were recently updated to recommend that screenings begin at age 45. Yet there may be reluctance to undergo a colonoscopy due to the uncomfortable preparation that is involved. This is partially why at-home screening tests have been introduced for usage with low-risk individuals. Despite these tools, today colorectal cancer is being seen in more younger adults than ever before. Lifestyle factors related to dietary choices are one reason for this trend. Genetics may also play a role. Digestive symptoms of colorectal cancer are easily confused for less serious conditions. Additionally, signs of the condition, such as blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, may have felt too embarrassing to discuss with a doctor.

Understanding your options

Colorectal cancer treatment depends on the location and stage of the tumor along with the patient’s overall health status. When this cancer is at its earliest, stage 0, polyps (or growths) are removed during a colonoscopy. This usually happens during a screening colonoscopy. The cells are studied and the patient may be told to return in five years (as opposed to ten). If cancerous cells have grown through the wall of the colon, surgical removal of the affected tissue and any lymph nodes is typically recommended. For more complex cases, such as when the cancer has spread to other organs, combination treatment plans including chemotherapy and radiation are likely warranted. In recent years, targeted treatments that seek to block the growth of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells have been approved. There are also immunotherapy treatments that teach the body’s own immune system to identify and eliminate cancerous cells. So though it is distressing to hear the news ‘you have cancer,’ there are many options oncologists can explore to help those with colorectal cancer become well again.

Advances in treatment

There have been countless breakthroughs in how colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated thanks to the efforts of clinical researchers and the patients who volunteer for study participation. Given the importance of early detection, there continues to be high interest in developing non-invasive screening options such as blood tests capable of diagnosing the disease. New and less toxic targeted therapies, effective combinations of drugs, and immunotherapy approaches are now routinely available in the fight against this form of cancer. There are even trials looking at drug cocktails that may be able to delay or avoid surgery.

You can get involved

Clinical research offers opportunities for individuals with, or at risk for, colorectal cancer to participate in the evaluation of biomarker-based treatment approaches, side effect management, diagnostic tools, and surgical techniques. You can search for trials on this site to see what may be available near where you live. New studies are added all the time so sign-up to be notified when an opportunity arises that may fit your needs.

RECRUITING TRIALS

References

Colorectal Cancer | Cleveland Clinic (updated November 14, 2022)
What is Colorectal Cancer? | American Cancer Society (updated January 29, 2024)
Colon Cancer | Mayo Clinic (updated July 27, 2023)
Colorectal Cancer Screening | NCI (updated October 22, 2023)