Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and often begins as small growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early through routine screening.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment coordination for colorectal cancer. Using state-of-the-art colonoscopy technology, our goal is early detection, complete removal of precancerous polyps, and compassionate, multidisciplinary care at every stage.
Symptom Onset and Initial Evaluation
In early stages, colorectal cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools
- Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
During your initial evaluation at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your gastroenterologist will review your symptoms, medical history, and family history of colorectal cancer or hereditary syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
For patients age 45 and older, and for younger individuals with risk factors, routine colonoscopy screening is strongly recommended to identify and remove precancerous polyps before they progress.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis may involve a combination of screening and diagnostic tests designed to detect disease as early as possible. Your gastroenterologist may recommend:
- Colonoscopy: The gold-standard screening test that allows direct visualization of the colon and removal of polyps during the same procedure.
- Biopsy: Tissue samples taken during colonoscopy to confirm whether abnormal cells are cancerous.
- Imaging (CT or MRI): Helps determine the stage of disease and whether it has spread beyond the colon or rectum.
- Blood tests: May include a complete blood count (CBC) and tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), when clinically appropriate.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, colonoscopy is performed using high-definition imaging and enhanced safety protocols to maximize detection accuracy and patient comfort.
Treatment Options
Treatment is individualized based on the cancer’s stage, location, and the patient’s overall health. Care is coordinated through a multidisciplinary team that may include gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists.
Early-Stage Disease (Polyps or Localized Cancer)
- Precancerous polyps can often be completely removed during colonoscopy.
- Some early cancers may be treated with advanced endoscopic resection or minimally invasive surgery, depending on depth and location.
Advanced Disease
- Surgery: Removes the affected portion of the colon or rectum and nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy or immunotherapy: May be used before or after surgery to reduce recurrence risk or treat metastatic disease.
- Targeted therapy or radiation therapy: Used when appropriate, particularly for rectal cancer or more advanced cases.
Supportive Care
Patients also receive support services such as nutritional counseling, symptom management, and coordination with oncology to ensure seamless, comprehensive care.
Ongoing Management and Follow-Up
Long-term follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence and support digestive health after treatment. Your care plan may include:
- Surveillance colonoscopy: Often performed about one year after treatment, then repeated at intervals recommended by your care team.
- Routine imaging and blood tests: Used as appropriate to confirm disease remains under control.
- Lifestyle counseling: Guidance on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation to support overall health and reduce recurrence risk.
- Genetic counseling: May be recommended for patients with strong family history or hereditary cancer syndromes.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our focus extends beyond treatment to survivorship, helping patients move forward with confidence and support.
When to Seek Prompt Medical Care
Contact your gastroenterologist promptly if you experience:
- Unexplained rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Changes in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks
- Unintentional weight loss, fatigue, or weakness
Early evaluation leads to early detection, and early detection saves lives.