Phone Numbers
Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242
Patient information
(203) 688-4177
Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222
Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333
Admitting
(203) 688-2221
Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331
Psychiatric admitting
(203) 688-9907
Mailing address:
Yale-New Haven Hospital
20 York Street
New Haven, CT
06510-3202
Colorectal cancer
What you should
know about colorectal cancer
Yale-New Haven Hospital believes in helping people become actively involved
in monitoring their own health by providing exceptional health information
and health care services. In recent years, the early detection of colorectal
cancer has saved literally thousands of lives across the United States.
Colorectal cancer is one of the more common types of cancer diagnosed and treated at Yale-New Haven Hospital. It affects men and women equally.
The best news is that colorectal cancer is preventable. Through regular screenings, small growths in the colon can be detected and removed before they become cancerous. When detected early, colorectal cancer has a high cure rate. Deaths due to colorectal cancer fell 25 percent for women and 13 percent for men in the last 20 years, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What is the colon?
A part of the digestive system, the colon is the last part of the large
intestine. The colon is divided into four sections: the ascending colon,
the transverse colon, the descending colon and the sigmoid colon, which
is closest to the rectum. The colon is a tube about 5 feet long through
which body wastes pass on their way to being excreted through the rectum.
Colon cancer can form anywhere in the inner lining of the colon, and usually starts as a small noncancerous growth, called a polyp. Then, over time, these polyps can become cancerous.
Early detection of colorectal cancer
You should be aware of the warning signs and risk factors for colorectal
cancer, and that most often colorectal cancer has no symptoms in the early
stages. Fecal occult tests and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy continue to
be the best ways to detect colorectal cancer and should be performed according
to screening guidelines. Yale-New Haven Medical Center's Research Programs
hope to bring about better detection techniques and treatment methods
in the future.
Warning signs
Discuss any changes you notice with your doctor. Some of these symptoms
can be caused by a number of conditions - not necessarily cancer - but
should be checked out by your physician. If you need a physician, call
(203) 688-2000 or try Yale-New Haven
Health Physician Referral Online.
Changes to watch for include:
- rectal bleeding
- blood in or on the stool (bright red or dark)
- a change in bowel habits
- general discomfort: bloating, cramps
- constant tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
Risk factors
Some risk factors you cannot change, but other risk factors can be controlled.
Risk factors may include:
- age — Ninety percent of people with colorectal cancer are age 50 and older.
- personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- physical inactivity
- a high-fat or low-fiber diet
More frequent exams may be advised for people with a genetic predisposition to cancer.
Screening guidelines
Yale-New Haven Hospital follows the guidelines of the American Cancer
Society in recommending the following schedule for men and women age 50
and older:
Every year:
Annual fecal occult blood test, AND
Digital rectal exam
Every five years:
Flexible sigmoidoscopy OR
Every 10 years:
Colonoscopy OR
Every five to 10 years:
Double contrast barium enema
Genetic counseling information
Online physician referral service
Diagnosing colorectal cancer
Last revised: May 2, 2007 (dh)
