1. Who treats colorectal cancers?

A general surgeon or a gastroenterologist or a Colo-rectal Surgeon treats colorectal cancers.

2. What are the early symptoms of colorectal cancer?

The early symptoms of colorectal cancer are unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits from what is considered normal for a given individual - either constipation or diarrhea - unexplained anemia (low blood count), and visible blood in the stool. It is also important to remember that colon cancer may be silent and not associated with any symptoms.

3. Does blood in the stool always indicate colorectal cancer?

Blood in the stool could also be due to hemorrhoids, anal fissures or tears, infections of the colon, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colonic diverticula. Blood in the stool may also occur from lesions in the stomach and small intestine such as peptic ulcer disease, and Crohns disease.

4. Looking at the rectal bleeding is it possible to identify its source?

It may not be possible; bleeding from hemorrhoids and anal fissures is usually bright red, while that from colorectal cancers is occult (hidden). But rectal bleeding of any amount is never normal and should not be ignored, as some causes of rectal bleeding such as colon cancer are more serious than others. So consult your doctor and get the bleeding properly checked out.

5. What is the best colon cancer-screening test?

Colonoscopy is considered to be the "gold standard." It is the only method that has a high sensitivity for all polyps, both small and large, and which presents the capability of removing them at the time of the procedure.