The importance of seeking a second opinion: Navigating the diagnosis and symptoms of colorectal cancer

Cancer
Male patient at medical consultation

Every day, you make informed decisions about your health. When you decide what to eat, how much to exercise and what lifestyle choices to make, your knowledge — and how you choose to use it — plays a significant role in your well-being.

When it comes to colorectal cancer, educated decisions may require getting a second opinion. Second opinions help you make the best choices for your health, and in some cases, may save your life.

Here’s what you should know about colorectal cancer diagnosis, including when a second opinion might be helpful.

Why should I get a second opinion about colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum, is one of the top three most prevalent cancers in the U.S. Without timely treatment, it can be deadly.

It’s also one of the most preventable kinds of cancer. The rate of colorectal cancer-related deaths has dropped in the past few decades due to more people undergoing screenings and adopting healthier lifestyles to reduce risk factors they can control.

Colorectal cancer is also highly treatable — especially if diagnosed early.

"Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is often misdiagnosed or missed completely, particularly in younger patients," says Robert B. Noone Jr., MD, a surgeon at Main Line Health. "Because colorectal cancer is often thought of as a disease that affects older people, signs can get overlooked in younger patients. And although we are preventing more cancers overall with screening, the incidence of colorectal cancer in people under 50 is skyrocketing."

In some cases, colorectal cancer can be confused with other health conditions, like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. Some patients have reported having multiple appointments with different health care providers to get the right diagnosis.

When colorectal cancer is diagnosed later, it can be more aggressive and more difficult to treat. When treated during the early stages, 90% of people survive five years after their diagnosis. When the cancer is diagnosed after it has moved to the lymph nodes or distant organs, that percentage drops to 17%.

Getting a second opinion can mean an earlier and more accurate diagnosis — and a higher chance of surviving this disease.

What signs of colorectal cancer should I be aware of?

Getting a timely diagnosis of colorectal cancer starts with you. Unfortunately, more than half of people who experience symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer delay making an appointment for up to a year.

By learning the signs of colorectal cancer, you can have informed and productive conversations with your health care provider. Look for signs like:

  • Bloody stool
  • Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation
  • Stomach pain or bloating
  • Frequent gas pains
  • Bowel movements narrower than usual
  • Feeling like your bowel hasn't emptied completely
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

"These types of symptoms may indicate other conditions, not necessarily colorectal cancer," says Dr. Noone. "But it is important to note that colorectal cancer can also develop and progress without any symptoms. This makes screening a key part of the process."

Currently, health care experts recommend anyone 45 and older undergo regular screening for colorectal cancer. Some people may need to begin screening earlier, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Adults ages 76 to 85 should discuss screening with their providers.

What happens if I’m diagnosed with colorectal cancer?

Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer means more treatment options. If you’re told you have colorectal cancer, getting a second opinion can help you explore what treatment approaches work best for you.

In many cases, surgery is used to remove colorectal cancer through procedures such as:

  • Polypectomy, which removes cancerous polyps
  • Colon resection surgery (or partial colectomy), which removes the part of your colon that has cancer
  • Surgical resection with colostomy, which removes the part of your colon with cancer and includes a colostomy (a procedure that moves your bowel to a space in your abdomen, and your bowel movements are collected in a bag)

"Our surgical team excels in utilizing minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery, for the majority of colorectal cancer surgeries. Remarkably, close to 90% of our patients maintain normal bowel function post-surgery, eliminating the need for a colostomy bag," says Dr. Noone.

Treatment may also involve chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapy (which targets the tissues, genes and proteins that support colon cancer growth).

Being your best health advocate

Seeking a second opinion can help you feel more empowered, giving you peace of mind and connecting you with a care team you trust. Some patients are hesitant to get a second opinion due to fears of the first provider feeling offended. However, a good provider will encourage you to take control of your health, which may include getting a second opinion.

You should always be your own health advocate for any health situation you face. By staying informed, speaking up when you’re concerned and taking care of your well-being, you can lead the way on your own health journey.

Next steps:

Meet Robert B. Noone Jr., MD
Learn more about cancer care at Main Line Health
5 facts you didn't know about colorectal cancer