Colorectal cancer care in Manchester, New Hampshire
Colorectal cancer is very treatable if caught early, and we're here for you throughout the process.
At Catholic Medical Center, our oncologists skillfully screen for and treat colorectal cancer with evidence-based procedures, including colonoscopies and robotic-assisted surgery.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. If symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Change in the number of bowel movements
- Change in the size of bowel movements
- Change in the texture of bowel movements
- Feeling weak or tired
- Stomach pain
Services provided by our colorectal specialists
Applying extensive knowledge and expertise, we provide you with compassionate care through every stage of your cancer journey.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
The best treatment for colorectal cancer is to remove it before it develops, and screenings help us find any cancerous cells. Healthy adults should get screened once every 10 years, starting at age 45. However, the recommendation for those with a family history or other risk factors can vary, though we typically recommend getting screened every five years, beginning at an earlier age.
You may be at a higher risk for colorectal cancer if you:
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a family history of colon or rectal cancer
- Have inflammatory bowel disease
Diagnosing colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancer that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon, or the rectum. The word "colorectal" is just a shortened way of saying colon and rectal. It has very few symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Colorectal cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they can include:
- Stomach pain
- A change in your bowel movements (number, texture, or size)
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Feeling weak or tired
Guidelines for colorectal cancer screening:
- Starting at age 45, both men and women should have a colorectal screening. (People with an inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon or rectal cancer may be at a higher risk and should begin testing earlier.)
- Most insurance plans, including the Affordable Care Act, cover colorectal cancer screening tests. Ask your insurance company what you should expect.
- Regular screenings can find colon cancer early, when treatment is most effective. The five-year survival rate is 90% if cancer is detected early.
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. Most pre-cancerous polyps can be removed at the time of the colonoscopy through a polyectomy. Even larger polyps, which carry a higher risk for cancer, can be removed in the outpatient setting through a procedure called endoscopic mucosal resection.
Colorectal cancer treatment
In situations where surgery is necessary to treat colorectal cancer, our skilled doctors can perform minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedures. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include reduced scarring, a shorter recovery time and less pain.
To learn more about our gastroenterology services, call us at (603) 665-2470.
