Master Colorectal Cancer Assessment

Changes in bowel habits vary depending on where the cancer is found. For example, colorectal cancer found in the right side of the intestine is likely to cause diarrhea, while left-sided cancerous lesions typically cause bowel obstruction or constipation.

Bowel obstructions can be caused by tumors in patients with undiagnosed colorectal cancer. The patient may experience constipation before the bowel becomes completely obstructed.

Rectal bleeding should not be ignored, as it may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Intestinal polyps that become large enough can bleed, causing stool to appear black or tar-like.

Rectal bleeding that persists or remains untreated can lead to excess blood loss and iron deficiency anemia. Anemia occurs when there is a decrease in the amount of red blood cells present in the blood. Patients who are anemic may feel tired, weak, or short of breath.

Weight loss in patients with colorectal cancer can be attributed to the increased metabolic needs of the tumor. A patient who experiences an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more should contact their healthcare provider.

Ascites occurs when there is a collection of fluid in the abdomen or peritoneal space. If cancer of the colon spreads to the liver, hepatomegaly and liver dysfunction may result. Inability of the liver to make proteins necessary to maintain oncotic pressure will cause shifting of fluid from the vasculature into the “third space.” Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen related to ascites can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.

This procedure allows a healthcare provider to look at the inside of the intestine using a colonoscope and is considered the gold standard for screening practices. Patients aged 45 and older should undergo a colonoscopy once every 10 years to assess for colon polyps and/or the presence of colon cancer.

Fecal occult blood tests and fecal immunochemical tests can be used to detect blood in a patient’s stool, which could indicate the presence of a polyp or cancer. These tests should be conducted yearly.