Colon cancer: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most common symptom of colorectal cancer?
A. Change in bowel habits
B. Rectal bleeding
C. Abdominal pain
D. Weight loss
E. Bloating
Answer and topic summary
The answer is A. Change in bowel habits
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. The USPSTF suggests screening at age 45 for individuals with an average risk. Typically, patients present with alarming “red flag” signs/symptoms, an intestinal obstruction, or CRC may be found via routine screening. The most common symptom is a change in bowel habits (~70%), which can include alterations in stool frequency, such as constipation or diarrhea, changes in stool caliber (narrow stools), or a sensation of incomplete evacuation. These changes are often gradual and may not be immediately alarming. Other symptoms include rectal bleeding, a palpable mass, iron deficiency anemia, and abdominal pain.
Initial diagnostic tests include colonoscopy, CBC, fecal occult blood testing, and tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), although CEA is typically used for surveillance rather than screening, due to its limited sensitivity (46%). The treatment of CRC depends on factors such as staging, tumor location, and the presence of metastasis. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
View blueprint lesson
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint GI and Nutrition ⇒ ⇒
