In the U.S., colorectal cancer is the third highest cause of cancer mortality. The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be almost 143,000 new cases diagnosed this year, of which 4,600 will be in New Jersey. Experts from the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School will be available to discuss risk factors, treatment and prevention options surrounding colorectal cancer.

Although scientists remain unclear about the exact cause of most colorectal cancers, risk factors, such as lack of exercise, poor diet and polyps in the colon or rectum areas, are known to contribute to the disease. Given that individuals over the age of 50 years also fall into a higher risk category, it is recommended that men and women have periodic colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests and/or other screenings to check for colorectal cancer.

Those with a family history of colorectal cancer are advised to get screened earlier. As many as 60% of all colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone of the age of 50 years or older would receive regular screening, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Potential warning signs of colorectal cancer consist of:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Dark stools or stools containing blood after bowel movement
  • Different bowel movements, for instance, diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools that last longer than a few days
  • Lower stomach cramps and pains
  • Weakness, fatigue, unintentional loss of weight

According to research, eating a lot of fruit and vegetables could prevent colorectal cancer as can maintaining a healthy weight, keeping physically active and restricted use of alcohol.

The panel of CINJ experts includes:

  • David A. August, MD, chief of Surgical Oncology at CINJ and a professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School who is also director of CINJ’s Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliary Oncology Program, a multidisciplinary clinical and scientific program that offers a comprehensive service for those with gastrointestinal pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions, including colon and rectum. Dr. August discusses the significance of patients receiving a comprehensive assessment in one location, where multiple specialists, such as surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, social workers and other experts collaborate closely.
  • Rebecca Moss, MD, is a medical oncologist at CINJ and an assistant professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, whose interest lies in gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr. Moss has engaged in research involving chemotherapy and other treatment regimens involving various tumor sites in the gastrointestinal tract including novel therapeutics for colorectal cancer.
  • Elizabeth Poplin, MD, is a medical oncologist at CINJ and a professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Poplin is an expert in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies, such as standard and novel therapy options for colon and rectum cancers and can contribute discussing the latest in cancer research studies involving these tumor sites.

Written by Petra Rattue