Colon (Colorectal) Cancer

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon (the large intestine) or rectum, which is the end of the large intestine that connects to the anus. Most colorectal cancers develop from precancerous growths called polyps, which can eventually turn into cancer if not removed.

Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, are essential for early detection and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Detecting and removing polyps during these screenings can significantly reduce the risk of cancer development.

Who does this cancer affect?

A family history of colon or rectal cancer, diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and inflammatory bowel disease are some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer. There are about 50,000 people who die from colorectal cancer each year in the U.S. and colon cancer has the second-highest death rate of all cancers.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Understanding the risk factors and symptoms for colorectal cancer is crucial for individuals and healthcare professionals in managing this disease.

Don’t ignore the symptoms of colon cancer:

Bloody stools
Rectal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Cramping in the lower stomach
Change in bowel habits

These things are not normal, so talk to your doctor immediately. Patients have a variety of treatment options based on the severity of the disease. In its earliest stage, colon cancer is highly treatable.

Living with Stage 4 Colon Cancer

In the summer of 2023, Jesus Abarca wasn’t feeling right. He saw multiple doctors where he was living in California, but the pain wouldn’t go away. In the winter he quit his job, moved home to Southwest Florida, saw a specialist and got a colonoscopy. The results showed that he had stage 4 colon cancer at only 33 years old. “It was super hard to hear,” said Abarca. “I mean, again, because in my mind, I'm like, I've been doing things in my mind the right way, working out, taking care of myself.”

His treatment started with radiation followed by chemotherapy. He says while it can be hard at times, the compassion and support from his family, friends, nurses and doctors has had a major impact. “There was a distinct conversation I had with one of the nurses here. I was crying, and I'm just like, I feel so weak, and I've never felt like that before. And she's like, your body right now is fighting cancer, and it's fighting for you, so you have to do the same thing. And I remember holding her hand, and I'm like, wow. It's such a small thing to say, but it really impacted me,” said Abarca.

Fortunately, he’s responding well to treatment. Abarca said “Because it's stage 4, I'll pretty much need treatment to my understanding permanently, just to contain it in my liver. The rectal tumors already shrunk in half, so that's really good. I've noticed a huge difference just in, like, being a little bit more active in, like, my lifestyle, kind of getting that quality of life back.”

He’s grateful for the little things like being able to drive a car, exercise, and go for a walk. “I'm kind of like feeling some semblance of my old life back again.” He encourages others to listen to your body and don’t put off treatment if things don’t feel right. You can learn more about colon cancer by searching for it on leehealth.org.

Cancer Treatment Centers in Fort Myers and Estero

The Lee Health Cancer Institute is helping patients all around Florida. If you are traveling from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or Port Charlotte, we can help you navigate the next steps in treatment options.

Lee Health Regional Cancer Center

8931 Colonial Center Dr Fort Myers, FL 33905

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Phone number (239) 343-9500 View Details
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic - Bonita Health Center

3501 Health Center Blvd Estero, FL 34135

Get Directions

Phone number 239-343-9500 View Details

Colorectal Disease Diagnosis and Screening

Lee Health gastroenterologists use a variety of tests and procedures to screen for and diagnose colorectal disease, including one or more of the following:

Colonoscopy: An exam that allows doctors to see inside the colon and rectum using a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube (called a colonoscope). Colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the entire colon.
Sigmoidoscopy: Also known as flexible sigmoidoscopy, this test is similar to a colonoscopy — both are used to screen for or diagnose various types of colorectal disease, using a camera attached to a colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy only looks at the last portion of the colon closest to the rectum, called the sigmoid colon. Learn more about the differences between colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.
Endoscopic Ultrasound: EUS is a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to capture high-quality images of the digestive tract. It’s often used to help diagnose colon cancer.
Capsule Endoscopy: this is a procedure that uses a tiny camera, which is placed inside a pill-sized capsule and swallowed, to take pictures of the gastrointestinal tract. The images are recorded on a device worn around the waist.
Anal Manometry: this is a test used to evaluate how well the muscles in the anus and rectum are working. It’s frequently used to diagnose fecal incontinence or chronic constipation.

Colorectal Cancer Care Support Services

When facing a cancer diagnosis, it's crucial to have access to cancer support services. We are committed to being your trusted partner throughout your cancer journey, offering a wide range of services tailored to meet your unique needs.

Cancer Nutrition Counseling

Our expert oncology dietitians offer personalized guidance to help you maintain optimal health and manage side effects during your cancer treatment. Learn how proper nutrition can positively impact your journey to recovery! Explore cancer nutrition counseling services at Lee Health.
Cancer Support Groups

Cancer support groups are gatherings that provide a secure environment for those impacted by the disease to talk about their feelings and experiences with other cancer patients.
Nurse Navigation

Lee Health Cancer Institute nurse navigators are here to help the patient and family through their cancer journey. From the moment of diagnosis to the treatment plan, our nurse navigators are here for you.

The Different Stages of Colon Cancer

Like many cancers, your chances of beating colon cancer increase with early diagnosis. “Stage one is usually treated with surgery depending on what you find a surgery that’s usually all you need,” said Lee Health Oncologist Dr. Janine Harewood.

The four stages speak to the progression of the cancer. “Stage two surgery is still the standard, however based on what we find at surgery, you’re more than likely may need to be offered chemotherapy,” said Dr. Harewood.

There’s a big difference between having to go through chemotherapy and just surgery alone. “Stage three standard is definitely surgery and chemotherapy,” said Dr. Harewood.

In stage one, the cancer is just in the bowel, in stage two and three it can be spread to the lymph nodes, and stage four is when it’s both outside the bowel and lymph nodes. “Stage four is the deadliest stage of the disease. Depending on how much disease there is, you may still be a candidate for surgery, but for the most part the standard of care is chemotherapy alone,” said Dr. Harewood.

Your chances of surviving stage one is about 80%, but when you’re at stage four it’s only about 30%. The best thing you can do is get a colonoscopy every 10 years once you turn 45. “It’s the gold standard! It is preferable not only can detect cancer but you can prevent cancer by removing lesions earlier,” said Dr. Harewood. To learn more about colon cancer and screenings, search for it on Leehealth.org.

Lee Health Cancer Institute

Colon cancer has the second-highest death rate of all cancers. Here you’ll find educational, medical, and awareness resources for people diagnosed with colorectal cancer in our community.