The American Cancer Society estimates there will be approximately 154,000 new colorectum cancer cases in 2025 and approximately 52,000 deaths from colorectum cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death among people under 50 in the United States,” with cases sharply increasing in young people since the 1990s.
These alarming statistics make early detection and treatment imperative. When it comes to testing for cancer in the colon and rectum, some people wonder, “Can MRI detect colon cancer?” We’ll answer this question and more in the first of this month’s articles.
Key Takeaways
- MRI is useful to doctors in diagnosing and determining what stage a patient’s colon cancer is.
- Other helpful tests for diagnosing colon cancer include a CT scan, colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, or stool DNA test.
- Colorectal cancer symptoms include blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, and persistent abdominal pain.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer happens when you develop cancer in the lower end of your large intestine, including your rectum. It starts out as benign growths on the colon’s innermost lining, called polyps. If left untreated, the polyps can become cancerous and spread through the entire colon and to other parts of your body.
Causes
Colorectal cancer causes can include a multitude of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. People with a family history of colorectal cancer, a history of adenomas (colorectal growths), and genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Outside of genetic factors, smoking, heavy drinking, and being obese and sedentary also increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In addition to these, environmental factors like chemicals in food and drink, air and water pollution, and pesticides are also potential causes.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer symptoms include the following signs of colon and rectal cancer:
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Still feeling like you have to poop after using the bathroom
- Blood in your stool
- More frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Weakness or fatigue
By themselves, these symptoms can be indicative of a myriad of other issues, so it’s important to see a doctor and tell them about any concerns you may have.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for colorectal cancer, depending on if it is specifically colon cancer or rectal cancer and what stage the cancer is in. They include surgery to remove the polyps, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy, and others.
What Are the Screening Methods for Colorectal Cancer?
Most doctors still recommend getting screened for colon cancer every 10 years once you turn 45 years old. However, with the increasing amount of colon cancer cases in people ages 20–50 years old, your doctor may recommend getting screened earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or other high-risk factors.
Today, the most common colon cancer screening tests (done when there are no symptoms) are colonoscopies, CT scans, stool DNA tests, and fecal occult blood tests or fecal immunochemical tests (FOBT and FIT). Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may let you choose the test you’re most comfortable with, or they may recommend a test for you.
Can MRI Detect Colon Cancer?
An MRI, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, uses radio waves to create detailed images of your organs and other bodily structures. Doctors may prefer this imaging test for patients who need frequent imaging because it doesn’t use X-rays or other radiation. So, can MRI detect colon cancer? While an MRI is a helpful tool for your gastroenterologist, it cannot diagnose colon cancer alone.
If you have already been diagnosed with colon cancer, your doctor may order an MRI to determine the location and stage of the cancer and if it has spread to any other organs.
Stay Proactive About Colon Cancer with RMC
While an MRI is not the primary tool used to diagnose colon cancer, it can help your doctor find out more vital information. If you’re concerned you may be at high risk for colon cancer or are 45 and older, make an appointment with our board-certified GI doctors. Our compassionate team can help you set up a colorectal cancer screening and help set up a personalized plan for you so you can feel good about your health. Get in touch with us today!