Colon cancer occurs when a cluster of cells called polyps form inside the colon and affect the large intestine. Rectal cancer is similar to colon cancer; however, it mainly affects the last few inches of the colon.

The highly-trained oncologists and medical staff at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos provide cancer care, screening options, treatments and procedures to provide quality care to individuals in the community.

Colorectal surgeon Dr. Cesar Santiago said there are several things individuals need to know when it comes to screening, prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

1. Early symptoms should not be ignored

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing colorectal cancer is that many people dismiss early warning signs. Dr. Santiago said any rectal bleeding in individuals over the age of 45 should be evaluated immediately. Other symptoms that should not be ignored include changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and persistent abdominal pain.

“The most common mistake people make is attributing rectal bleeding to hemorrhoids and not seeking medical attention,” Dr. Santiago said. “By the time some patients come in, their symptoms have progressed, and they are diagnosed at a later stage.”

2. Screening guidelines have changed

Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have changed in recent years, with the recommended age for initial screening now lowered to 45. For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, screenings should begin 10 years prior to the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

When it comes to colorectal cancer, screening is especially important because it is a preventative measure as well as diagnostic assessment.

“A colonoscopy is the only preventative screening test that we have nowadays,” Dr. Santiago said. “For example, when we do a colonoscopy and we remove a polyp, that polyp is not a cancer quite yet. It hasn't gone through the metaplasia and dysplasia to become an invasive malignancy, so by removing that polyp, you're actually preventing a malignancy.”

3. Multiple screening and diagnostic options are available

One major reason people avoid colonoscopies is the preparation process. Dr. Santiago said that recent advancements have made prep much more tolerable.

“There are now multiple options for bowel prep, including lower-volume solutions and even pill-based alternatives,” he said. “The worst part is the preparation, but the procedure itself is quick, painless and done under sedation.”

In addition, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos offers multiple screening options for colorectal cancer, including at-home stool-based tests such as Cologuard. While less invasive tests can be an option for some patients, Dr. Santiago emphasized that a traditional colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colorectal cancer.

Schedule a screening today

“If there’s one message I want people to remember, it’s ‘Be seen, be screened,’” Dr. Santiago said. “Don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek medical attention and be seen early.”

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos remains committed to providing comprehensive cancer care and raising awareness about the importance of early detection.

“At CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - San Marcos, we are dedicated to ensuring that our community has access to life-saving screenings and the latest advancements in cancer treatment,” hospital President Bob Honeycutt said. “Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care and to empower individuals to take charge of their health.”

The hospital is located at 1301 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos. For more information on colorectal cancer screenings and treatment options, visit the hospital’s website or consult with a healthcare provider.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.