Colorectal cancer care in Manchester, New Hampshire
Colorectal cancer is easiest to treat if caught early, and we help you throughout the process.
At Catholic Medical Center, our compassionate oncologists offer advanced screenings and treatments for your colorectal cancer, including colonoscopies, polypectomy and robot-assisted surgery.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Services provided by our colorectal specialists
Applying extensive knowledge and expertise, we provide you with compassionate care through every stage of your cancer journey.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. If symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Change in the number of bowel movements
- Change in the size of bowel movements
- Change in the texture of bowel movements
- Feeling weak or tired
- Stomach pain
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Colorectal cancer is cancer that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon, or the rectum. The word "colorectal" is just a shortened way of saying colon and rectal. You may be at a higher risk for colorectal cancer if you:
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a family history of colon or rectal cancer
- Have inflammatory bowel disease
Diagnosing colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer has very few symptoms, which is why screening is so important. It also might not cause any symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Change in your bowel movements (number, texture or size)
- Feeling weak or tired
- Stomach pain
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. Most precancerous polyps can be removed at the time of the colonoscopy through a polypectomy. Even larger polyps, which carry a higher risk for cancer, can be removed in the outpatient setting through a procedure called endoscopic mucosal resection.
Regular screenings can find colon cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Starting at 45 years old, both men and women should have a colorectal screening once every 10 years. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or a family history of colon or rectal cancer, you may be at a higher risk and should begin testing earlier.
Most insurance plans, including the Affordable Care Act, cover colorectal cancer screening tests. You can ask your insurance company what you should expect.
Colorectal cancer treatment
The best treatment for colorectal cancer is to remove it before it develops. In situations where surgery is necessary to treat colorectal cancer, our skilled doctors can perform minimally invasive, laparoscopic or robot-assisted procedures. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery often include a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery time.
To learn more about our gastroenterology services, call us at (603) 665-2470.
About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
Fighting cancer takes a team
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.