A potentially life-saving treatment option for early stage colorectal cancer is now available at Bluewater Health.
The hospital has invested in specialized instrumentation to allow patients with early stage rectal cancer or large precancerous rectal polyps to undergo transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) locally instead of travelling to London or other major centres.
General and Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Jeremy Springer said the procedure goes a long way toward improving survival rates.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Canada.
He said it's a unique cancer in that the majority of cases begin with precancerous polyps or abnormal growths in the cell lining of the colon. He noted that not all polyps become cancerous, which is why it's so important to check.
"When you detect these early, via colonoscopy, they can be removed," said Dr. Springer. "So, you can actually prevent cancer from developing. If you find them early with a colonoscopy, you can treat them early. When you treat colorectal cancer early, it has a very high survival rate and is curable in over 90 per cent of patients."
He said the TAMIS platform allows patients to resume normal activity within one to two days following surgery and is relatively pain-free.
Dr. Springer said colorectal cancer can impact people of all ages, but they've noticed an increase in cases among those aged 30 to 40.
"Colorectal screening is so important," he said. "Bring to the attention of your healthcare provider if you have any abnormal symptoms like a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, blood in your stool or weight loss. Let them know so that you can be screened with a colonoscopy. It could ultimately save your life."
Other symptoms include persistent abdominal pain, unexplained constipation or diarrhea, weakness and fatigue, and anemia caused by an iron deficiency.
Those who smoke, are overweight, consume a lot of red meat and alcohol, or have inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk.