Colorectal Cancer
Learn how to improve your outcome of colorectal cancer with screenings and personalized treatment at VHC Health.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
VHC Health invites you to learn more about colorectal cancer and its prevention and treatment. A potentially serious disease if left undetected, colorectal cancer can often be prevented through regular screenings, a healthy diet and consistent exercise. The key to successful treatment is catching the disease early, so regular screenings are important.
What You Should Know About Colorectal Cancer
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S.
- The average person’s lifetime risk of developing it is 1 in 20
- It affects men and women equally
- African Americans are at greater risk compared to any other ethnic group
- There is a strong genetic component with colorectal cancer; therefore, it is very important to know your family’s medical history
- Women over 75 years are more likely to die of colorectal cancer than breast cancer
- It can be prevented by removing polyps before cancer starts
- Symptoms may include change in bowel habits or narrowing of the stool for more than a few days, rectal bleeding, cramping or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and fatigue from anemia.
No matter your age, if you experience any of the symptoms listed, see your physician immediately so the cause can be identified and treated if needed
- Many people have no symptoms
- With early detection, survival rates are 80%+
Colon Cancer Screenings
Colon cancer is easier to treat when it's found early. Talk to your doctor about the right time for you to start getting colorectal cancer screenings. Learn about colorectal cancer screenings available at VHC Health.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
If you receive a diagnosis of colon cancer, you'll likely need surgery to treat it. At VHC Health, you'll receive personalized, expert care from board-certified colorectal surgeons and cancer specialists.
Colorectal Cancer Team
Coming to grips with a colorectal cancer diagnosis is not easy. Standard treatment for colon and rectal cancer is surgery. Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions a patient will make. Of the 70,000 practicing U.S. surgeons, only 1,300 are colorectal surgeons with advanced training. At VHC Health, patients have access to board-certified colorectal surgeon, Craig Rezac, MD, FACS, FASCRS, who leads VHC Health Physicians – Colorectal Surgery.
Patients have access to all the medical specialists involved in the spectrum of colorectal cancer care, including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Genetic counseling is also available.
The Cancer Resource Center offers an array of free support services, from individual counseling for patients and families to nutritional consults and help with referrals for equipment and transportation.
