With active screening programs and better treatments, like minimally invasive endoscopic and laparoscopic colon surgery, death rates from colorectal cancer have declined substantially.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. It was expected that over 1,600 people would be diagnosed in Connecticut in 2016, with 95,270 cases of colon cancer and 39,220 cases of rectal cancer expected across America. Our board-certified colorectal surgeons are innovators in the use of minimally invasive endoscopic and laparoscopic colon surgery and other new techniques. Patients benefit from the latest treatment protocols of our partner institution, Memorial Sloan Kettering - the country’s premier cancer center. This means patients have direct access to world-renowned clinical expertise and research trials - all while being treated close to home.
Meet Our Colorectal Cancer Specialists
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer often does not cause symptoms until after it has started to spread. If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with the doctor right away.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool or very dark stool
- You have a major change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent stools or the feeling that you cannot empty your bowels completely.
Colorectal Cancer Treatments
Colorectal cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. A combination of these treatments may be used.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Other risk factors include: obesity, physical inactivity, long-term smoking, high consumption of red or pro-cessed meat, low calcium intake, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, and very low intake of fruit and vegetables.
How Colorectal Cancer is Diagnosed
Since early stage colorectal cancer does not usually have symptoms, screening is particularly important for patients. Pre-cancerous lesions can be found and removed to prevent cancer, and earlier stages of colorectal cancer have more treatment options. Every March, the Cancer Institute hosts important screening events during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Beginning at age 50, people at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin screening.