Storytelling is sometimes used as an expression to spread rumors and lies. Unfortunately for Carol Reisinger, her body was telling a true story that most people don't want to hear.
“It started last February when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Thanks to the medical staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, I was able to remove the 9 x 5 cm tumor five days later,” Carol said. says.
But during that surgery, a second story began to unfold.
“During that surgery, the surgeon noticed that my colon was inflamed and the walls were thickened. After speaking with the doctor a few days later, it was suggested that I should undergo a colonoscopy. '' said the Warrens, Wisconsin, native. .
After recovering, she took her doctor's words to heart and underwent a colonoscopy. That's something she should have done sooner.
He was diagnosed with rectal cancer in April 2023.
“There were signs that something was wrong. Her stomach was cramping and there was blood in her stool,” Carol said.
Carol's symptoms fit into the following common signs and symptoms of rectal cancer:
- abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or increased frequency of bowel movements
- dark maroon or bright red bloody stools
- Feels like your bowels aren't completely empty
- narrow stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- weakness or fatigue
Colorectal cancer treatment
“Rectal cancer is a subset of colon cancer that is located in the last part of the colon. Symptoms of bleeding and irregular bowel habits are common. Cancer inside the rectum (rectal cancer) and cancer inside the colon (colon cancer) and are considered together as colorectal cancer,” says Andrew Morris, M.D., colorectal and rectal surgeon at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.
“Colon cancer begins when a change or mutation occurs in the DNA of a healthy cell,” he explains. “Unfortunately, these cancers and their DNA changes can also be inherited.”
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women.
Carol, now 64, had to battle a second type of cancer within a few months. Over the next six months, she underwent chemotherapy at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, followed by radiation therapy. In January of this year, Dr. Morris and her surgical team removed the cancer.
“Advances in surgical technology now allow colon and rectal cancers to be removed in a minimally invasive manner, often using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. We were able to completely remove the cancer, including the cancer, and reattach the colon.'' Her recovery was generally quick because the pain from the small incision was minimal,'' says Dr. Morris.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
In some families, genetic mutations are passed from parent to child, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. One in three girlfriends of people who develop colorectal cancer has another family member with colorectal cancer. Carol was not one of them.
“I don't know of any family history of colon cancer,” she says. “After I was diagnosed, I did a genetic test, but again nothing was found. I think I'm one of the lucky ones.”
In addition to family history, other factors that can cause colon cancer include:
- African American
People of African descent born in the United States have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than people of European descent. - Diabetes
People with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer. - alcohol consumption
Regularly drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per week may increase your risk of colorectal cancer. - diet low in vegetables
Colorectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in vegetables and high in red meat, especially if the meat is burnt or well-cooked. - inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon and rectum, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, increase the risk of colorectal cancer. - obesity
People who are obese have an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to people who are considered a healthy weight. - senior citizen
Although colorectal cancer can be diagnosed at any age, most people with this type of cancer are over 50 years old. The incidence of colorectal cancer in people under age 50 is increasing, and doctors don't know why. - smoking
Smokers may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer. - Too little exercise
If it is not active, you are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Regular physical activity may reduce your risk of cancer.
Be proactive about cancer screening
According to recent studies, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for people diagnosed with rectal cancer is 68%. If the cancer is diagnosed at a local stage, the survival rate is 90%. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, organs, or regional lymph nodes, the five-year relative survival rate is 74%.
“Advances in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgical techniques are improving survival rates for both rectal and colon cancer. A team approach ensures that all treatment options, and even research protocols, are used. Early detection is key 'but because it gives the best chance of cure,' says Dr. Morris.
Carol's outlook is good. She cannot thank the surgeons, doctors and medical staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Mayo Clinic Health in La Crosse her system enough for helping her get through both medical situations.
She points out that all women, and men, should take responsibility for their health now, rather than waiting until it's too late.
“My advice is to not put off getting a colonoscopy,” says Carol. “Start at age 45 and start paying attention to your body. Pay attention to your bowel movements. Bowel movements are an important health issue.”
