Colorectal Cancer Expert

March 21, 2000

Colorado Springs presents Dr. Fisher who discusses health issues concerning cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, and how the American Cancer Society can provide valuable information.

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The Springs: Welcome to The Springs Spotlight, presented by ColoradoSprings.com! Please join Dr. Fisher in a discussion on learning more about colorectal cancer and how to reduce the risks of contracting this particular type of cancer. Guests can also send Dr. Fisher their questions and concerns. Presented in cooperation with the American Cancer Society. The purpose of this chat is to provide general information and is not intended to be construed as medical advice for any visitor's specific disease or condition. Welcome, Dr. Fisher!

Dr. Fisher: Hello, my name is Dr. Fisher. I'm a general surgeon in the Colorado Springs region, who's been asked, tonight, to participate in answering questions about the clinical area of colon cancer.

Gretchen: What is colorectal cancer?

Dr. Fisher: Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the colonic and rectal tissue. The cause of this is unknown, why it occurs. But there are certain conditions that predispose you to developing colon cancer. These conditions are such as Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, familial polyposis, and there's one called hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer.

Jess1: Dr. Fisher, are there any symptoms that would alert a person to seek medical attention for colorectal cancer?

Dr Fisher: Yes. There are quite a few. More common ones are change in bowel habits, such as smaller diameter in stool, abdominal bloating, and rectal cancer is associated, occasionally, with rectal bleeding. Unfortunately, most of the times the colon cancer presents with symptoms, it's already spread to an advanced or later stage. This is why it is very important to understand colon cancer screening as well as your individual risk factors for colon cancer.

Jess1: Dr. Fisher, can hemorrhoids turn cancerous?

Dr. Fisher: Hemorrhoids cannot turn into cancer; however, if you are older than fifty and have rectal bleeding, you should undergo screening for colon cancer. It's important to note that hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. But it's important to know that this may also be an early sign of colon cancer.

Sharonelle: What are the screening guidelines for colorectal cancer as recommended by the American Cancer Society?

Dr. Fisher: The first screening consists of what's called a fecal occult blood test. This is, essentially, a simple, at home type of procedure that checks the stool for hidden blood, which may be associated with early signs of colon cancer. This should be done yearly, starting at the age of fifty. Once you have a rectal exam yearly, starting at the age of fifty, it checks for prostate cancer as well. Furthermore, flexible sigmoidoscopy should be done every five years in patients fifty years of age and older. Some consider colonoscopy should be done every ten years. These are the guidelines for individuals with no risk for colon cancer.

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