The experts, Ben George, MD, and David Fenstermacher, PhD, discuss the importance of early detection, the significance of disease staging, subtle indicators of colorectal cancer, and the treatment journey.

Dr George addresses the impact of disease staging on outcomes, emphasizing that early-stage diagnosis generally leads to better outcomes and higher cure rates. He provides insights into the distribution of colorectal cancer stages, outlining the potential for 90% cure rates when the disease has not spread beyond the colon. However, he acknowledges the complexities involved in determining outcomes based solely on staging, as the biology and aggressiveness of the cancer play a crucial role.

Dr Fenstermacher expands on the need for patients to recognize subtle indicators, particularly those with genetic predispositions or conditions such as Crohn disease and Lynch syndrome. He advises patients to discuss their risk factors and family history with health care professionals and advocates for regular screening, with noninvasive tests for monitoring. Moreover, he highlights that people often ignore changes in their bodies, emphasizing the significance of monitoring symptoms such as altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding, weakness, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and persistent gastrointestinal discomfort.

The experts agree that heightened awareness, monitoring, and timely medical evaluation are crucial in improving early detection rates and optimizing the prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer. Early detection plays a key role in the treatment journey, as it can lead to less disruptive treatments and better patient outcomes.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC editorial staff.