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More from HCA Midwest Health
More from HCA Midwest Health
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum, it can be frightening. Many times, if the cancer is caught in its early stages, patients haven’t experienced any symptoms, making the diagnosis particularly shocking. However, patients can trust the progressive treatment options and experienced colorectal cancer surgeons at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute HCA Midwest Health.
Looking for a second opinion? We can help.
A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your medical care. Getting a second opinion from an oncology expert at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health is easy, convenient, secure and can all be done remotely.
Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon, also known as the large intestines or rectum, which connects the colon to the anus. This type of cancer almost always begins in cells that produce mucus or other fluids as tumors. These tumors generally start as adenomas, or polyps, which are small benign (non-cancerous) growths.
Colorectal cancer is often detected through screenings, such as colonoscopies or sigmoidoscopies, and can be treated with surgery or specialized cancer therapies, depending on the disease's stage and severity.
At HCA Midwest Health, our cancer programs are overseen by panels of physicians who are experts in a variety of medical specialties. One of those medical specialties is colorectal cancer. We offer comprehensive colorectal cancer care provided by multidisciplinary specialists with a wide range of services, including:
Early detection of colorectal cancer is the key to getting the best possible outcome. That's why it's important to know if you are at risk of developing the disease.
Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer do not usually present symptoms. That's why it's essential to be mindful of certain symptoms and speak to a doctor if they arise. Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
Because early-stage colorectal cancer does not usually present symptoms, routine screenings are essential to prevent cancer and/or detect the disease in its earliest and most treatable stages.
Our doctors use imaging exams and diagnostic procedures to detect and diagnose colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and related diseases. Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute recommends consulting your physician if you are 45 years old or older to determine the right screening test for you. Evidence-based options may include colonoscopy at 10-year intervals or a Fecal Immunohistochemistry Test (FIT) annually.
Additionally, we offer various screening options to detect colorectal cancer, including:
When a physician detects colon cancer, they also identify the cancer's stage. Cancer stages are determined by how much cancer is in the body. The stage can be one of the most critical factors for doctors when recommending a treatment method.
The information below describes what a patient can expect from each stage of colon cancer:
Our dedicated multidisciplinary team of colorectal cancer experts works together to ensure each patient has a care plan built specifically for them. Treatment options we offer include:
In some cases, physicians can treat colorectal cancer using non-surgical methods. This usually depends on the stage of the cancer and/or the location of the tumor. Nonsurgical therapies might also be used in conjunction with surgery to treat the disease effectively.
Our oncology programs offer the following non-surgical cancer treatments:
Surgery is the most common and effective type of treatment for colorectal cancer. We use a range of minimally invasive surgical options, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery, whenever possible to minimize scarring and recovery times.
Robotic surgery can be particularly beneficial to patients with rectal cancer. The robot's accuracy, visibility and maneuverability allow the surgeon to get lower beneath the tumor than ever before. Additionally, it possibly eliminates the patient's need to have a permanent colostomy bag following surgery.
Renowned for their expertise in robotics, HCA Midwest Health’s colorectal program features some of the country’s best colorectal surgeons. Many of our surgeons were early-adopters of this technology and have performed hundreds of successful robotic colorectal operations. Our surgeons educate and set expectations upfront so that they can partner with their patients and help them make the treatment decisions that work best for them.
Some of the most common surgical treatments we perform to treat colorectal cancer include:
HCA Midwest Health is part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (816) 448-7737 or visit askSARAHnow.
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