Colorectal Cancer

Saint Luke’s Cancer Specialists works with providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care through Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute. We use the latest, most advanced therapies to provide effective colorectal cancer treatment. This means better outcomes for all patients.

When you to come to us for colorectal cancer care, you can expect:

• A reputation for excellence: Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute provides access to superior care close to home.
• Pioneering treatments: We have innovative treatment options for every stage of colorectal cancer. We perform minimally invasive surgeries that reduce the risk of long-term side effects. And we are on the forefront of new immunotherapy medications that provide hope for people with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Genetic testing and counseling: Genetic conditions that run in families are responsible for about 6% of colorectal cancers. We provide testing and counseling for you and your family to help assess risk and guide your treatment.
• Research and clinical trials: Our doctors participate in cutting-edge clinical trials that help us improve treatment options. If you qualify, participating in a clinical trial allows you to receive promising new therapies not yet available elsewhere.
• Comprehensive, supportive care: Our compassionate colorectal cancer care team includes support for you and your family. We’re here to help you navigate every step of your treatment. Along the way, our cancer support services team provides nutritional counseling, emotional support, palliative care, and more. specialized treatments, all centered around you and your needs. 

Colorectal cancer develops when cancerous cells begin to grow and multiply in either your colon or your rectum. Together, the colon and the rectum make up the large intestine. They form the last part of the digestive tract and help move waste out of your body.

When cells (cancerous or not) grow out of control in your colon or rectum, they form small lumps called polyps. If they’re not removed early (such as during a routine colonoscopy), some polyps can become cancerous. Left untreated, cancer cells can spread from your colon and rectum into other parts of your body.

The American Cancer Society estimates that around 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. And while colorectal cancer is still a leading cause of death, survival rates for the disease are on the rise. Early detection and better treatments are helping more people survive colorectal cancer.

There are several different types of screening tests we can use to detect colorectal cancer. These include:

• Stool-based tests: These non-invasive options require only a stool sample. Stool-based tests look for signs of blood, while others detect DNA changes that might indicate colorectal cancer.
• Virtual colonoscopy: This non-invasive test uses a CT scan to create 3D images of the inside of your colon and rectum.
• Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a small tube and camera into your colon. You'll be asleep during the procedure. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can not only detect, but also remove polyps.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy but looks only at the lower portion of your colon and rectum. 

Treatment for colorectal cancer varies depending on the location of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of your body.

Colorectal cancer treatment may include:  

• Surgical Oncology
  Our surgical oncology team includes board-certified surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. We provide minimally invasive and robotic options.

• Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology

  
  Our cancer centers provide the latest, most effective chemotherapy and medical oncology treatments with a personalized, compassionate approach.

• Immunotherapy and Genetics

  
  Our immunotherapy team is knowledgeable in the latest immunotherapy options to treat cancer. We use advanced genetics to tailor your treatment.

• Radiation Oncology

  
  Our radiation oncology team features board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists, and cancer biologists who specialize in the latest radiation therapies.

• Targeted drug therapy

  
  This type of treatment uses medicines that zero in on the specific changes in cancer cells or in nearby tissues that cause the cancer to grow and spread.