Colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the U.S. Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or bowel cancer, is critical for successful treatment.

At Aurora BayCare Medical Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists and oncologists understand colorectal cancer and apply their depth of experience to provide the best care for each person. We offer some of the most advanced treatment techniques available.

Colorectal cancer care: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Our cancer specialists treat colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. We offer:

• Team-based approach to care: You’ll see a group of our colorectal cancer specialists during one appointment. Our team begins working together on your personalized treatment plan immediately through the Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic. With a single visit to the clinic, you skip the inconvenience of having to schedule many appointments.
• Sophisticated diagnostic tests: Our colorectal cancer experts use the most advanced technologies to find and remove colon polyps and identify cancer.
• Research-based treatments: We continuously review recent cancer research when developing treatment plans, so every therapy we offer flows from proven studies.
• Nationally recognized cancer care: The Commission on Cancer, a national group focused on improving cancer care and survival, has accredited our cancer program. This accreditation means our cancer care program meets or exceeds national standards for excellence in testing and treatment.

Colon cancer symptoms

Most colon cancers arise from polyps, or growths on the lining of your colon. These polyps are benign when they first appear, but some can grow and turn into cancer over time. Detecting polyps early, before any symptoms start, and removing them can prevent cancer from developing, which is why screenings are so important.

People with colorectal cancer often don’t have symptoms right away. That’s why routine colorectal cancer screening is important.

A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowel is not empty after a bowel movement can be one of the first noticeable symptoms. Other symptoms can include:

• Bright red or very dark blood in your stool
• Constant tiredness
• Stools that are thinner than usual
• Stools that look slimy or have mucous on them
• Ongoing gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting

Colon cancer risk factors

Adults over age 45 are most at risk for colorectal cancer, but other factors may increase a person's risk for developing colorectal cancer.

If you have a family history of colon, stomach or pancreatic cancer, you may be at risk of developing colorectal cancer. Our experts might recommend confidential genetic counseling to understand your risk and create a screening and prevention plan.

Other risk factors include:

• Having pre-cancerous polyps in the colon
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Diet high in animal fat and low in calcium

Colon cancer treatments and services

Our colorectal cancer experts create a tailored treatment program based on your unique needs. You’ll have access to colon cancer treatments that offer the best possible outcomes. Our colon cancer services include:

Screening and diagnosis

We use general endoscopy and other techniques to assess cancer risk and identify polyps and tumors. Diagnostic cancer screening techniques include:

• Conventional colonoscopy: In this procedure, doctors use a flexible tube fitted with a camera (endoscope) to look at your colon and find polyps. If they find polyps, doctors remove them during conventional colonoscopy.
• Virtual colonoscopy: In this less invasive technique, doctors use computers and CT scans to create 3D images of the colon and rectum. Our colorectal cancer specialists use these images to look for abnormalities and polyps. Removing polyps requires an additional procedure.
• Capsule endoscopy: During this test, you’ll swallow a capsule – about the size of a pill – that contains a small wireless camera. As the capsule moves through the intestines, the camera takes and transmits pictures that our colon cancer specialists review.
• Ultrasonic endoscopy: Specialists insert an endoscope into the rectum. The endoscope has an attached ultrasound transducer, a device that creates ultrasound images. Unlike colonoscopy, which shows the large intestine, this test allows specialists to see cancer in areas near the rectum and anus.
• PET/CT scan: This combined technique uses positron emission tomography (PET) and a CT scan to find cancerous areas.

Colon cancer treatments

If you’re diagnosed with colorectal cancer, rest assured you have some of Wisconsin’s best experts by your side. Together, our multi-skilled team will work closely with you to create a customized plan to treat cancer. Your cancer treatment might include minimally invasive surgical techniques that offer faster recovery times and less scarring. These include:

• Robot-assisted surgery: Surgeons use computers to control robotic equipment that is more precise than their own hands.
• Laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery: Specialists insert surgical equipment and perform colon surgery through tiny incisions in the skin.
• Trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS): Doctors place a special port in the anus. The port allows them to use instruments to remove cancer from the rectum and nearby areas.

We also offer immunotherapy, drugs that help the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. And our colorectal cancer experts lead cancer research and clinical trials. This research focus means you have access to leading-edge colorectal cancer treatments right in your community.

Request an appointment

If you’re over age 45, our digestive health team offers you direct access to a screening colonoscopy – saving you a trip to your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist. Call us at 920-288-8100 to schedule.

If you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you might benefit from earlier screenings. Your doctor will send us a referral and our digestive health team will call you to schedule an appointment.