Colon and Rectal Cancer: What You Need to Know
Facing a possible colon or rectal cancer can be stressful. Many people want to know what symptoms to watch for, when to start screening, and what happens next. Clear information helps you feel prepared and supported.
If you live in Anderson, South Carolina—or nearby communities in Greenville, Pickens, or Oconee counties—you can stay close to home for screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Local care and resources make it easier to get answers and take the next step.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer starts in the lower end of the digestive system, in either the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp or growth in the colon lining. Polyps can become cancerous over time, so it’s important to have a doctor remove them if they’re found during a colonoscopy.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable, especially when found early. That’s why screening matters. Advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment continue to improve quality of life and survival.
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable, especially when found early. That’s why screening matters. Advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment continue to improve quality of life and survival. At AnMed, we offer open-access colonoscopy, which allows eligible, healthy individuals to schedule their screening directly without a separate pre-procedure consultation.
Ask your primary care doctor when you should start screenings. Many people begin at age 45, but you may need to start earlier if you have:
- A personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A genetic condition that increases your risk
AnMed uses best-practice techniques and modern technology to provide timely, accurate test results, so you can move forward with a clear plan.
Common Symptoms
Early colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal discomfort, cramps, or pain
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
If you notice lasting symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.
Risk Factors
Your risk may be higher if you:
- Are age 50 or older (though cases in younger adults are rising)
- Have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Eat a diet low in fiber and high in fat, or consume a lot of red or processed meat
- Are physically inactive, overweight, or smoke
- Drink alcohol heavily or have diabetes
Prevention
Screening saves lives. Most people should begin screening at age 45. If you have risk factors, you may need to start earlier. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best option for you.
Healthy habits can help lower risk:
- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking
- Exercise regularly—aim for 30 minutes most days
- Maintain a healthy weight
Your First Appointment
At your first visit with a cancer specialist, you can expect a physical exam and an in-depth discussion about your treatment options. Your choices depend on your cancer type and stage (how far it has spread). Ask as many questions as you need to feel confident about the next steps.
Your Cancer Care Team
After a diagnosis, a team of colorectal cancer specialists works together to create a personalized care plan. A warm, compassionate nurse navigator will explain your diagnosis and help you cope. Your navigator guides you and your family through each step, helps you communicate with your care team, and connects you with the services you need.
Support for You and Your Family
Your care at AnMed goes beyond medical treatment. We help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer care. Support groups, classes and counseling connect you with others and make the treatment process easier to navigate.
We offer services for your mind, body and spirit, including:
- Support groups and the Cancer Resource Center: Connect with others and find helpful information when you need it — in person or online.
- Impressions Appearance Shoppe: Get products that help you look and feel your best.
- Counseling and nutrition support: Care for your emotional and physical well-being during treatment.
Treatment Options
Surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer. Surgery targets only the part of the body with cancer. If the cancer has spread, you may need other treatments in addition to surgery, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Surgical Procedures
- Polypectomy: Removes lumps in the large intestine during a colonoscopy
- Local excision/resection: Removes cancerous cells and tissues inside the rectum
- Transanal excision (TAE): Removes cancer cells without an incision in the abdomen
- Colostomy/ileostomy: Creates an opening in the skin for stool to pass into a pouch
- Colectomy: Removes all or part of the colon
- Hemicolectomy: Removes the right or left part of the colon
- Low anterior resection (LAR): Removes part of the rectum and attaches the colon to the remaining rectum to preserve bowel function
- Abdominoperineal resection: Removes the anus and rectum, with a permanent colostomy for cancers very low in the rectum
- Pelvic exenteration: Removes the rectum and nearby organs when cancer has spread, such as the prostate, uterus or bladder
Your care team will explain which options fit your diagnosis, goals and lifestyle.
Serving Our Community
Patients across Anderson, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties have access to screening, diagnosis and treatment close to home. Staying local can reduce travel, support your family routines, and make follow-up care easier.
