Estimates for new annual cases in the United States are 107,320 for colon cancer and 46,950 for rectal cancer. A family history of colon cancer significantly boosts your risk. But you can take a sigh of relief, as early detection and treatment save lives.
Schedule a gastroenterology consultation with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side in New York City to learn if you have early warning signs. Meanwhile, here’s what Dr. Seecoomar recommends.
Does someone in your family (your mom, dad, sibling, cousin, aunt, or uncle) have colorectal cancer? Here’s what to do next.
There are numerous ways to establish colon cancer risk based on your medical history, family history, age, and whether or not you have symptoms. Risk factors include:
Understand that if you have one or more colorectal cancer risk factors, you may need colon cancer screening before you turn 45.
If you experience the following symptoms of colorectal cancer, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Seecoomar as soon as possible.
You might also have shortness of breath and fatigue caused by anemia, which could indicate colon cancer.
Ask Dr. Seecoomar when to schedule colorectal screenings based on your age and medical history. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, he suggests scheduling a screening before you turn 45. You’ll also need diagnostic testing if you have symptoms of colon cancer.
He reviews your medical history and symptoms, family medical history, and lifestyle habits to determine your risk factors.
Dr. Seecoomar offers stool tests, blood testing, imaging procedures, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies, CT colonoscopies (also known as virtual colonoscopies), and other diagnostic tests to screen for colorectal cancer.
If you have colon cancer, seek treatment right away to reduce the chance of the cancer spreading to other areas of your body. You might need a biopsy, polyp removal, another surgical procedure, radiofrequency ablation, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of cancer treatments.
More than 90% of people treated in the early stages of colorectal cancer have successful outcomes five years later.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, schedule an evaluation with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, at 212-217-9961 or request an appointment online today.
