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Gastroenterology (GI)
Colorectal Cancer Screening & Prevention Program

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Colorectal Cancer Screening & Prevention Program

Rochester Regional Health's Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Program is designed to educate and help prevent colorectal cancer in men and women. Our board-certified gastroenterologists work closely with experienced colorectal surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to form a multidisciplinary team aimed at preventing and treating colorectal cancer.

Schedule a Screening Today (585) 922-3989

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

You may know colorectal cancer by its more common name of colon cancer. It is cancer of the colon or rectum, and is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Colorectal cancers begin when the tissue that lines the colon or rectum grows uncontrollably, resulting in polyps. However, with regular screenings, approximately 60% of these deaths can be prevented.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Besides regular screenings, simple lifestyle changes may help lower your risk of colorectal cancer.

Maintain a healthy diet: eat a low calorie, high fiber diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based foods; limit red meat and processed foods
Regular exercise: 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day
Limit alcohol and tobacco use: If you smoke and would like help quitting, please contact our Smoking Cessation Program.
Know your family history: talk to your family about their health history. Genetic testing may be recommended.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Early stages of colorectal cancer usually occur without any symptoms. Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, small non-cancerous growths on the colon wall that can grow larger and become cancerous. As polyps or cancers grow, they can bleed or block the intestines. It is best to detect colorectal cancer before any symptoms develop, through a screening test.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool or toilet after a bowel movement
Diarrhea or constipation that does not go away
Change in normal bowel habits, such as size, shape and frequency
Discomfort or urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need
Abdominal pain or a cramping pain in your lower stomach
Bloating or full feeling
Change in appetite
Weight loss without dieting
Fatigue

These symptoms may not mean that you have colorectal cancer, but, if you notice unexplained changes and they persist for more than two weeks, it is time to call a doctor.

Diagnosis

Early detection of colorectal cancer makes for more effective treatment. That’s why screening is so important.

To aid in the prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, Rochester Regional Health’s colorectal screening clinic provides screening tests and procedures to detect polyps, lesions and other abnormalities that may develop into cancer.

Screening Tests

Screening is the process of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools for preventing colorectal cancer.

Types of tests performed at our screening clinic include:

Staging

If you've been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor will order tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Staging helps determine what treatments are most appropriate for you.

Stage 0 - This is the earliest stage possible, also called the local stage. Cancer hasn't moved from where it started; it's still restricted to the innermost lining of the colon.
Stage I - Cancer has begun to spread, but is still in the inner lining.
Stage II - Many of these cancers have grown through the wall of the colon and may extend into nearby tissue. They have not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage III - Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, but has not been carried to distant parts of the body.
Stage IV - Cancer has been carried through the lymph system to distant parts of the body, most commonly the lungs and liver.

Treatment

If caught early, colorectal cancer can be successfully treated. Your unique treatment will depend on factors such asyour general health, the site of your tumor, and the stage of diagnosis.

Treatment options offered by the experts at Rochester Regional Health include:

Colorectal cancer may be treated with surgery alone, surgery and chemotherapy, or with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Colorectal Cancer

This will depend on the type of screening test performed.

A FIT Test should be performed annually.

A colonoscopy and barium enema should be repeated every 5 to 10 years, depending on if polyps were found.

A virtual colonoscopy should be performed every 5 years.

If you have an increased risk for the disease, have had colorectal cancer in the past, or have had previous treatments for colon polyps, you may require more frequent testing.
At Rochester Regional Health, scheduling a colonoscopy is easy and convenient. Our Fast-Track Colonoscopy does not require a preliminary office visit. You will receive an initial consultation by phone and come in only for your procedure. If results are normal, a follow-up visit is not needed and results will be available in your MyCare account and sent to your primary care provider.

Colorectal Screenings When and Where You Need Them

Conveniently located throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes region, our gastroenterology locations let you get the care you need close to home.