The workup of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Colorectal cancer is a common disease that all practitioners should have some familiarity with. Despite available guidelines, a proportion of patients do not undergo recommended colorectal cancer screening and can present with complaint of symptoms. Patients with colorectal cancer often have vague or non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding. Workup should begin with a thorough history and physical exam, including a rectal examination. Workup should then be followed up with appropriate diagnostic imaging or procedures if appropriate. Maintaining an index of suspicion when evaluating patients is critical as the epidemiology of colorectal cancer is changing, with rising incidence in patients aged less than 50—prior to the initiation of routine screening.