The information on this page was reviewed and approved by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science at CTCA.
This page was updated on July 14, 2021.
Colorectal cancer is the term for cancers found in the colon or rectum, which together make up the large intestine. Colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers in the United States, affects both men and women. The treatments and side effects of this disease may impact your quality of life. That’s why it’s important to turn to doctors with expertise in this cancer type—experts who will work to help you understand the disease and the array of treatment options available to you. The gastroenterologists and oncologists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) understand the complexities of colorectal cancer and what you can do to fight it.
Our cancer hospitals treat this disease with a commitment to comprehensive, personalized care, developing treatment plans individualized for each patient’s specific needs. Your care regimen is designed to help you maintain your quality of life, while providing treatment options targeted to your cancer type and stage. At CTCA®, we take an integrative approach to patient care, combining evidence-based colorectal cancer treatments with side-effect management techniques, to treat not just the disease but the whole person.
Learn the early warning signs of colorectal cancer
Concerned about your colorectal cancer risk? Take our five-minute risk assessment, and get an action plan based on your answers.
When caught early, colorectal cancer may be treated with a colonoscopy to remove polyps or cancerous cells from the lining of the colon. Advanced diseases may require surgery to remove some of or, in rare cases, the entire colon. Other treatment options include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your multidisciplinary team of colorectal cancer experts will answer your questions and recommend treatment options based on your unique diagnosis and needs.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for this cancer type and may involve removing tumors, the affected section or sections of the colon and nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is often delivered before or after surgery, to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells that may remain behind.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often given before or after surgery to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells, especially or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy may be an option for patients whose cancer has specific genomic features.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses bio-engineered drugs that target specific proteins found on cancer cells. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Managing the side effects of colorectal cancer treatment is important to your recovery and quality of life. At CTCA, our team of experts offer supportive care services designed to help you stay strong and maintain your quality of life throughout treatment. These therapies may include:
Every patient has the option of meeting with a registered dietitian.
Learn More
Colorectal cancer develops in the tissues of the colon and/or rectum. The colon and rectum are both found in the lower part of the gastrointestinal (digestive) system. They form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (or large bowel). The colon absorbs food and water and stores waste. The rectum is responsible for passing waste from the body. More than 149,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year. Risk factors for the disease include obesity, diet, smoking and genetics.
" My wife and family supported me through this hard time, and with their care along with the care provided by CTCA, I can now be here for them. I am so thankful God led us to CTCA!"
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