The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing it, including:

• Age 45 and older
• History of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Genetics, including genetic syndromes and mutations in genes
• Certain lifestyle factors, including obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and heavy alcohol use

In the early stages of colorectal cancer there are often no signs or symptoms. Screening tests, including colonoscopy, are used to find cancer before symptoms develop. When signs and symptoms of colon cancer do occur, they may include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Very dark or bloody stool
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Anemia, or low red blood cell count
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement
• Weakness or tiredness
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, narrowing of the stool, or changes in consistency

Keep in mind that other conditions share similar symptoms, such as hemorrhoids. It’s important to see your doctor for the right diagnosis.

There are five stages of colorectal cancer. Zero represents the least extensive, or earliest stage of the disease, while four is the most extensive, or latest stage. Cancer stage depends on:

• If the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes
• How deep the tumor has grown into the wall of your colon
• Whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other organs

We work to reduce or remove the symptoms of:

• Crohn's disease
• Diverticulitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis 
• Other conditions that can greatly impact your quality of life.   
  
  

Colorectal cancer starts in either the colon or the rectum and, in most cases, develops slowly over many years. Most start as a polyp—a growth of tissue that starts in the lining and grows into the center of the colon or rectum. A type of polyp known as an adenoma can become colon cancer.
 

More than 95 percent of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas that come from such polyps. Removing a polyp early can stop it from becoming cancerous.

Dignity Health's Glendale Memorial offers the latest robotic surgery treatment options for colorectal cancer. The da Vinci® Surgical System provides patients with a minimally invasive treatment option for complex colon cancer and other colorectal conditions. The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery for patients include:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery time
• Documented excellent clinical outcomes for cancer control

Our board-certified colorectal surgical team of well-respected colorectal surgeons is committed to providing you care in a dignified, sensitive manner.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting men and women of all races. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
 

If you are aged 45 or older, get screened now. If you have questions about colorectal cancer prevention or you would like to schedule a screening to create a personalized prevention plan with one of our expert oncologists, schedule an appointment with a physcian.