« Cancer Programs and Services

Colon/Rectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum), when discovered early, is highly treatable. Even if it spreads into nearby lymph nodes, surgical treatment followed by chemotherapy is highly effective.

Doctor holding colonoscopy device

Advanced treatment and personalized support, close to home.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. When found early, it is often highly treatable. Even when it has spread to the liver, lungs, or other areas, treatments such as chemotherapy can sometimes shrink the cancer enough to make surgery possible. These treatments can also help you live longer and improve your quality of life.

At HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers, we combine advanced treatments with compassionate care to give you the best possible outcome, no matter the stage of your cancer.

Risk Factors

The exact cause of colorectal cancer isn’t always known, but certain things can raise your risk:

  • Age over 50 (about 90% of cases occur in this group).
  • You are of African American race.
  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps.
  • Long-term inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
  • Inherited syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome.
  • Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps.
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet.
  • Lack of regular exercise.
  • Diabetes.
  • Being overweight.
  • Smoking.
  • Heavy alcohol use.

If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk and whether you should be screened sooner.

More About Colon/Rectal Cancer

Screening can find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. It can also find polyps (small growths) before they turn into cancer. Common screening tests include colonoscopy, stool tests, and sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor can recommend the right test for you based on your age, health, and family history.
Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms at first. As it grows, you may notice:
  • A change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool).
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Ongoing belly discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain).
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Weakness or fatigue.
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but you should see a doctor if they last more than a few days or weeks.

If your doctor suspects colorectal cancer, they may order:

  • Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
  • Imaging scans (CT, MRI, or PET).
  • Lab tests, including biopsy of any suspicious tissue.
Our treatment plan will be designed just for you. It may include:
  • Surgery – to remove the cancer and nearby lymph nodes.
  • Radiation therapy – to target and destroy cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy – to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery.
  • Targeted therapy – drugs that attack specific cancer cell changes.
  • Immunotherapy – helps your body’s immune system fight cancer.
  • Clinical trials – access to promising new treatments not widely available.
Through the HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Clinical Research Institute, you may be able to join clinical trials offering advanced treatments before they are widely available. By joining, you help improve care for yourself and for future colorectal cancer patients.
You will have a team of specialists working together on your care. This may include: Your team meets regularly to review your progress and adjust your plan, so you always get the most appropriate care.

We’re Here to Help

From your first visit through treatment and follow-up care, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Talk to your primary care provider to learn more about colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers.