Colorectal Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Source: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/office-of-public-health/colorectal-cancer
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Colorectal Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer
(CRC)
. This term combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum.
CRC
is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine usually beginning as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon, which usually aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time. This is why screening is so critical because the tests can find precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Regular screening can help find colorectal cancer early as it is easier to treat earlier on before it spreads.
In Louisiana, screening rates are lower and mortality rates are higher than national averages, with the state ranking 5th in the nation for colorectal cancer deaths. However, colorectal cancer is highly preventable, treatable and survivable, especially when screened and diagnosed early. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.
Signs & Symptoms
A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement.
Weakness or tiredness.
Losing weight without trying
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age
Race (Black)
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk - including familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
Family history of colon cancer
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
Not exercising regularly
Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Radiation therapy for cancer
There's no definitive way to prevent colon cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
It is important to talk to your primary care provider about colorectal cancer
screening options. Polyps often don't cause symptoms, but doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for and remove polyps in the colon.
Anyone between the ages of 45 and 75 should get screened. Options include:
Stool DNA test: Every 3 years; in the privacy of your home
Highly Sensitive Stool-Based Tests: Can be taken yearly at home
Flexible Signoidoscopy: Every 5 years; doesn't require sedation
Colonoscopy: Frequency depends on risk factors
Treatment Options
Polypectomy
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Laparoscopic surgery
Partial colectomy
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs: Colorectal Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Colorectal Cancer
Tulane Cancer Center: Colorectal Cancer
Ochsner Health: Colon, Rectal and Anal Cancer
FMOL Health: Colorectal Cancer
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Colorectal Cancer
American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer
CDC: Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Colon Cancer Coalition
Fight Colorectal Cancer
Global Colon Cancer Association
Colon Cancer Foundation
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer
(CRC)
. This term combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum.
CRC
is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine usually beginning as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon, which usually aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time. This is why screening is so critical because the tests can find precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Regular screening can help find colorectal cancer early as it is easier to treat earlier on before it spreads.
In Louisiana, screening rates are lower and mortality rates are higher than national averages, with the state ranking 5th in the nation for colorectal cancer deaths. However, colorectal cancer is highly preventable, treatable and survivable, especially when screened and diagnosed early. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.
Signs & Symptoms
A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement.
Weakness or tiredness.
Losing weight without trying
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age
Race (Black)
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk - including familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
Family history of colon cancer
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
Not exercising regularly
Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Radiation therapy for cancer
There's no definitive way to prevent colon cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
It is important to talk to your primary care provider about colorectal cancer
screening options. Polyps often don't cause symptoms, but doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for and remove polyps in the colon.
Anyone between the ages of 45 and 75 should get screened. Options include:
Stool DNA test: Every 3 years; in the privacy of your home
Highly Sensitive Stool-Based Tests: Can be taken yearly at home
Flexible Signoidoscopy: Every 5 years; doesn't require sedation
Colonoscopy: Frequency depends on risk factors
Treatment Options
Polypectomy
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Laparoscopic surgery
Partial colectomy
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs: Colorectal Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Colorectal Cancer
Tulane Cancer Center: Colorectal Cancer
Ochsner Health: Colon, Rectal and Anal Cancer
FMOL Health: Colorectal Cancer
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Colorectal Cancer
American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer
CDC: Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Colon Cancer Coalition
Fight Colorectal Cancer
Global Colon Cancer Association
Colon Cancer Foundation
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government