Colorectal cancer specialists in East Texas
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, our commitment to combating colorectal cancer— the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.—is unwavering. Our team of colorectal cancer specialists leverages advanced GI cancer treatments and colorectal cancer surgery to increase survival rates. We emphasize the importance of early detection through routine screenings such as colonoscopies and FOBT tests. Additionally, our comprehensive GI cancer support team ensures that every patient receives personalized care and guidance. Start your journey towards prevention today and safeguard your health against colorectal cancer with our expert screening services.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, affects both men and women. It typically begins as a benign growth known as a polyp, originating in the inner lining of the colon. These polyps are often detectable during a routine screening test such as a colonoscopy.
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer rarely shows symptoms until it has advanced, at which point fewer than 50% of cases can be cured. Therefore, early detection is essential. When colorectal cancers are discovered early, up to 90% of cases can be successfully cured.
Risk factors for developing colorectal cancer include:
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Eating a diet rich in fats
- Family history of polyps or colon cancer
- Having ovarian or uterine cancer before age 50
- Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Previous personal history colon polyps
- Smoking
Individuals with an average risk should start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45. Most guidelines do not recommend screening asymptomatic individuals under the age of 45 unless they have a positive family history or a predisposing, inherited syndrome.
Our colorectal cancer screening services
Our physicians provide the following colorectal screening services:
- Cologuard: This noninvasive test uses DNA technology to detect cancerous and precancerous lesions in your stool. Your physician will order the test, then give you a kit to perform a stool sample at home. You will then send it back in the mail. If your results are abnormal, a colonoscopy will be recommended.
- Colonoscopy: Performed by a gastroenterologist, this procedure uses a long, flexible instrument to evaluate the lining of the colon and rectum and check for polyps.This is the best test to screen for colon cancer, and is considered the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer.
- FOBT test: This noninvasive test detects blood in your stool. Your doctor will provide you with supplies to collect your sample at home, then return it to the doctor’s office. If your results are abnormal, a colonoscopy will be recommended.
Some patients may qualify for a free colonoscopy through the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). To learn more or to see if you qualify, call 903-877-1461 or email CRC.Outreach@uthct.edu.
For more information about the CPRIT, click here.
