Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, behind breast and lung cancer. Our team of colorectal cancer specialists provide the most advanced approaches – including robotic surgery and clinical trials of the latest treatments. Our goal is to cure your colorectal cancer and minimize side effects to help you maintain an optimal quality of life.Types of Colorectal Cancer We Treat
- Adenocarcinoma, is found in the glands that make mucus and lubricate the lining of the intestine. The most common type of colon cancer, adenocarcinoma starts as a benign polyp that, left untreated, becomes cancer.
- Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors form in neuroendocrine cells which act as nerve cells and also regulate hormone production in the intestine.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) forms in the interstitial cells of Cajal in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. They are rare in the colon and rectum.
- Metastatic colorectal cancer occurs when cancer cells break free from the colon or rectum and spread to other areas of the body through the circulatory or lymph system.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends you begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, or earlier if you have symptoms, a family history or other risk factors. Your doctor may order a test to look for blood in your stool, or a colonoscopy to view the inside of the rectum and colon.
Learn more about colonoscopies at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Colorectal Cancer Screening - Patient Videos
What are the Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer?
If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we offer the most advanced treatments and surgical technologies, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Our team of experts are fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeons who are highly experienced in complex procedures.Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Sometimes patients are not able to have robotic surgery, because of the location or spread of their colorectal cancer. The colorectal surgeons at John Theurer Cancer Center are skilled at performing open surgical procedures as well as reconstruction of the large intestine to prevent the need for a permanent ostomy (an external bag to collect wastes) whenever possible.
Our colorectal surgeons have years of advanced training and experience in all surgical approaches.
Some patients with cancer on the surface of the rectal wall can have the tumor removed through an endoscope. The doctor can remove the cancer through a scope, guided by a camera at its tip, and suture the remaining tissue.
This approach enables some patients with rectal cancer to avoid surgery and the need for a colostomy – a bag worn outside the abdomen to collect waste.
Colorectal Cancer Treatments
Radiation therapy is an important part of treatment for many patients with colorectal cancer. John Theurer Cancer Center provides the most advanced radiation therapy using state-of-the-art technology. You receive radiation that is precisely shaped to your tumor, to spare surrounding, healthy tissue and minimize side effects. Learn about precision radiation therapy.
If colorectal cancer spreads beyond the large intestine, it often travels to the liver and can be difficult to treat. The experts at John Theurer Cancer Center offer advanced therapies for colorectal cancer metastases.
- Interventional radiology treatments: Treatment is delivered directly into tumors through arteries supplying the liver. Examples include radioembolization with yttrium-90, chemoembolization (anticancer medication delivered directly to tumor cells) and radiofrequency ablation (killing tumors with intense heat).
- Radiation therapy: We offer stereotactic body radiation therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. High doses of radiation are delivered with extreme precision.
Our Doctors
We specialize in early diagnosis and offer a complete array of advanced treatments for colorectal cancer, including robotic surgery and clinical trials of the latest treatments.
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health
Premier Cancer Center
U.S. News & World Report has recognized John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center as a premier cancer center in New Jersey.
Strong Partnerships
The Memorial Sloan Kettering–Hackensack Meridian Health partnership brings together two world-class organizations with deep New Jersey roots and a single goal: Find more cures faster.
Innovation
Our team uses precision medicine to select the treatments and therapies best suited for your specific cancer. We also use state-of-the-art technology to better define how and when to use chemotherapy appropriately and safely.
Patient Centered Care
At John Theurer Cancer Center Hackensack Meridian Health, we prioritize the well-being and comfort of our patients throughout their colorectal cancer journey. We understand the physical and emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis, and our compassionate team is here to provide support every step of the way. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, we offer a range of supportive services, including nutritional counseling, pain management, rehabilitation, and access to clinical trials. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for our patients and their families.
Find a John Theurer Cancer Center Affiliate Located Near You
Key Services
- Bladder Cancer
- Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation
- Bone Tumors and Sarcoma
- Brain and Spine Cancers
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer Rehabilitation
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Cardio-Oncology
- Cervical Cancer
- Childrens Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Endocrine and Thyroid Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancers
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Noncancerous Blood Disorders
- Nutritional Counseling and Services
- Precision Medicine
- Prostate Cancer
- Radiation Oncology
- Skin Cancer
- Testis Cancer
- Ureter Cancer