Colorectal health
Early screening and diagnosis are vital in treating diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. If you are over the age of 50, you should have a colonoscopy at least every 10 years.
Colorectal cancer diagnostics in Sun City Center, Florida
Colorectal cancer, if found early, is one of the most treatable types of cancer. Yet, it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
At HCA Florida South Shore Hospital, we offer colorectal cancer screenings to detect the disease in its earliest stages. Colon cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If a polyp is detected through a screening, your physician can remove it before the polyp becomes cancerous. This is why it's important to get colorectal cancer screenings if you have symptoms or are at high risk for developing the disease. Screenings can also detect cancer in the earliest and most curable stages.
Related specialties
Colorectal diagnostic services
To help you maintain your gastrointestinal health, we offer advanced screenings.
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)
We offer leading-edge imaging technology, such as TRUS, to gather information about rectal and anal polyps and tumors. TRUS uses sound waves to create 360-degree images of the anal canal and rectum.
These images help doctors determine the depth of a tumor and if it has spread into the wall of the rectum and adjacent lymph nodes. With the information that this technology provides, doctors can diagnose colon conditions.
Understanding colorectal cancer
Understanding the signs, symptoms and risk factors of colorectal cancer can help you proactively manage your colorectal health.
Colon cancer symptoms
Early stage colon cancer often has no symptoms. In later stages of the disease, the following symptoms may occur:
- An ongoing feeling that you need to have a bowel movement
- Bleeding from rectum or blood in stool
- Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation and stool narrowing
- Cramping or gnawing stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
- Jaundice, which causes skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow/green
- Weakness and fatigue
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Some risk factors for colorectal cancer can be controlled or managed. Other factors, such as age, race and personal and family history, cannot. The following populations are more at risk of developing colorectal cancer than others:
- African Americans
- People 50 years old and older
- People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- People with a personal or family history of the following conditions:
- Adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Colorectal cancer
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Non-polyposis colorectal cancer
- Polyps
Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Diet high in fat, red meat and/or processed meat
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
Thrive Blog
Read our blogs to learn about preventive care and ways you can lead a healthier lifestyle.
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