Colorectal Cancer
Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnostic Process

If your doctor finds signs of colorectal cancer, the next step is a diagnostic process that can confirm whether cancer is present and provide key insights about your health. Diagnosis typically involves several steps, from reviewing your symptoms to specific tests and imaging. Here’s what you can expect if your healthcare team needs to investigate further.

Symptom Review and Initial Consultation

It all starts with a conversation about what you’re experiencing. Colorectal cancer symptoms can range from rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits to abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

  • What to Expect: Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, and if you’ve noticed any patterns. They’ll also ask about your family history, lifestyle, and any personal risk factors.

  • Self-Advocacy Tip: Be specific about your symptoms and bring up any family history of colorectal cancer, as this may guide next steps. This is your chance to share anything that feels off—trust your gut.

Physical Exam

A physical exam can give your doctor more information about what’s going on and help rule out other potential causes.

  • What to Expect: Your doctor may check your abdomen for any tenderness or swelling. A digital rectal exam might also be done to feel for lumps or abnormalities in the rectum.

  • Self-Advocacy Tip: If something during the exam doesn’t feel right or if you have questions, don’t be shy—ask for explanations or speak up about any concerns.

Blood Tests

While blood tests can’t directly diagnose colorectal cancer, they can give your doctor clues and help rule out other issues.

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia, which can result from internal bleeding related to colorectal cancer.

  • Liver Function Tests: Since colorectal cancer can spread to the liver, these tests help monitor liver health.

  • Tumor Markers: Some doctors may check for tumor markers, like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which can be elevated in people with colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy and Biopsy

If initial tests suggest something’s up, a colonoscopy is often the next step. This thorough screening allows your doctor to examine the colon and rectum and take tissue samples if needed.

  • What to Expect: You’ll be sedated, and the doctor will use a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look for polyps or abnormal tissue. If anything suspicious is found, they’ll take a biopsy, or small tissue sample, for testing.

  • Self-Advocacy Tip: Ask your doctor when you can expect biopsy results and how you’ll be notified. Waiting can be stressful, so it helps to know the timeline and stay informed.

Imaging Tests

If cancer is confirmed, imaging tests can help determine the extent of the disease and check if it has spread.

  • CT Scan: Provides detailed images of your abdomen and pelvis, showing the size and location of any tumors.

  • MRI: Often used for rectal cancer, this test gives a closer look at the rectum and nearby tissues.

  • PET Scan: Uses a small amount of radioactive sugar to detect cancer cells throughout the body, which can help identify if cancer has spread.

  • Ultrasound: In some cases, an abdominal or endoscopic ultrasound is used to visualize the tumor and nearby lymph nodes.

  • Self-Advocacy Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask about each test—what it’s for, what it can show, and how it will guide your care. Understanding the process can make it feel a little less daunting.

Diagnosis and Next Steps

Once your doctor has the information they need, you’ll receive a diagnosis. From here, your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This process may include additional tests and consultations, but remember, you’re not alone. Your team is here to answer your questions and help you navigate what’s next.

Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at each step can make the process clearer. Remember, this is about you—and you deserve compassionate, informed care every step of the way.

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