Colorectal cancer
Receiving a colon cancer or rectal cancer diagnosis can leave you with a range of emotions from sadness to anger to disbelief. We’re here to help.
At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, our team of board-certified gastroenterologists, oncologists, colorectal surgeons, pharmacists, nurses and other specialists work closely together to care for your mind, body and spirit. We use the latest research to create personalized treatment plans, help you access clinical trials and offer integrative therapies to lessen the side effects of treatment.
With award-winning cancer centers across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, along with access to research and clinical trials, the high-quality care you deserve is always close to home.
What is colorectal cancer?
Cancer is a disease where cells grow out of control and crowd out healthy cells. Colorectal cancer is the type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Your colon and rectum are part of your gastrointestinal (GI) system, the part of your body that digests food.
When cancer cells grow in the colon or rectum, they often form polyps. Polyps are small growths or masses that form in the walls of your rectum or colon.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colon and rectal cancer symptoms can be similar to other colorectal conditions. In the early stages of colon cancer, it’s possible not to experience any symptoms. That’s why following
Anytime you have new or unusual symptoms that you are concerned about or are getting worse, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with one of our
Diagnosing colorectal cancer
Tests are often needed to make a colon cancer or rectal cancer diagnosis. Some common tests include:
Colonoscopy
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Proctoscopy
If we suspect you have rectal cancer (which is different from colon cancer), we may recommend a proctoscopy. In this procedure, we’ll examine your rectum using a thin, lighted tube with a camera at the tip. We might use general anesthesia to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. If we find a tumor, we’ll measure its size and precise location. Often, we’ll be able to remove the tumors during a proctoscopy. If another procedure is needed, our doctors will talk to you about your options.
Biopsy
If a polyp or potentially cancerous tissue is detected during any of the screenings, it will likely need to be biopsied during a colonoscopy. We’ll remove a small piece of this tissue and have it sent to our lab for further testing.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests can be used to give us a look at the inside of your colon and rectum. These tests are non-invasive and completely painless. Common tests include CT scans, abdominal ultrasounds, MRI scans, PET scans and X-rays.
Colorectal cancer treatment
Colon and rectal cancer can take years to fully develop, or start spreading. Because of this, treatment will depend on the precise nature of your diagnosis, including the type and stage of colorectal cancer.
Advancements in cancer research have found that each person’s response to cancer treatment is unique. We recognize that no two treatment plans are exactly alike, and we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Our oncologists and gastroenterologists will work together to find the most effective colon and rectal cancer treatment plan for you.
It’s common to use a combination of the following treatment methods:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, often called “chemo,” uses strong drugs to kill cancerous cells throughout the entire body. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy to treat cancer cells that have spread (metastasized) from the primary tumor. It’s commonly used to treat cancer or stop cancer from growing by shrinking the tumors. This treatment method is often used along with other treatments like surgery or immunotherapy.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is used to treat and manage cancer in affected areas of the body by using beams of intense energy to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells can’t heal damage caused by radiation.
Immunotherapy
Also called biological therapy, this relatively new treatment uses medicines that heighten your body’s natural immune response to cancer. There are different types of immunotherapy treatments. Some give your immune system an overall boost and some help your immune system specifically target cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
This treatment can isolate and change specific behaviors within cancer cells, like stopping their growth, killing cancer cells or blocking chemical signals within the cells. Targeted therapy damages fewer healthy cells than chemotherapy because it attacks only cancer cells. It’s primarily used with other treatments for the best results.
Surgery
Surgery is used to remove cancerous tumors or cells. Surgery can be used alone but is often used with other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy for the best results. A polypectomy or a local excision are some of the most common surgeries used to treat colon and rectal cancer.
Our doctors will work with you to choose the best option, let you know how to prepare and answer all your questions.
Our cancer care services
During your cancer treatment, we help make sure that you and your family feel as comfortable and supported as possible. To do this, we offer a wide-range of services as part of personalized treatment plans, including:
Integrative therapies
Integrative therapies are supporting treatments some people choose to have in addition to their cancer treatments. They’re used to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and improve your overall emotional and spiritual well-being. Common types of integrative therapies include massage, healing touch, reflexology, music therapy and acupuncture.
Palliative care
Palliative care helps improve the quality of life for people with advanced stages of cancer. Palliative care works alongside medical care to keep you comfortable and provide additional support. Our specialized palliative care team works closely with our oncology department so the support you need during your illness is easily accessible. Our palliative care team will help you understand your treatments, do daily activities, coordinate communication with your doctor and can perform other services to help support you and your family.
Nutrition services
Good nutrition is needed to support the increased demands on your body while you heal. The benefits include preserving muscle mass, a healthy immune system, fewer complications and a better quality of life. We’ll recommend different nutrition guidelines to you depending on your type of cancer, stage of cancer or treatment plan. Our registered nutritionists can provide nutrition counseling to help with managing weight changes, dealing with side effects of treatment and navigating nutrition recommendations.
Genetic counseling
Cancer develops by chance, but people with a family history of cancer might be at a higher risk. It’s possible to have a gene mutation that can be passed from generation to generation. A genetic counselor can meet with you to go over your personal or family history of cancer and help you understand your hereditary risks. If you have questions about genetic counseling or want to know if genetic counseling is right for you, please ask your care team.
Cancer rehabilitation
Cancer can change the way your body functions. What used to be easy might become more difficult because of fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, weakness, numbing or swelling. Some people might even develop difficulty thinking, balancing, speaking or swallowing. Cancer
Specialty pharmacy
We provide a specialty pharmacy that’s staffed by pharmacists who are experts in cancer medications. Because our pharmacy is fully integrated with our cancer treatment centers, our pharmacists are able to work closely with your treatment team. This helps to make sure you get the special medications you need to treat and manage cancer. Our team will help you understand the cost of your medication and help you with your insurance.
The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has recognized us as a specialty pharmacy with a Distinction in Oncology.
Home care and hospice
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
While it’s possible for anyone to develop colorectal cancer, some people are at a higher risk, including those who:
- Are age 45 or older
- Are African American, American Indian or Alaska Native
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer
- Have had radiation treatments to the belly or pelvis
Other lifestyle factors might affect your risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. These include excess weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use and lack of physical activity. If you have any questions about your risk of developing colorectal cancer, we’re here to answer your questions.
In order to provide the best care for you during every step of your treatment, you’ll work with many different board-certified doctors, nurses, technologists and other medical professionals. Our care team is here to help you navigate your treatment, with help scheduling your appointments, managing your treatments while supporting you and your loved ones throughout your treatment process.
Depending on your treatment plan, you might work with:
- Medical oncologist – A doctor who specializes in treating cancer with chemotherapy or other medications.
- Gastroenterologist – A doctor who specializes in treating conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system, the part of your body that includes the colon and rectum.
- Colorectal surgeon – A surgeon who specializes in performing surgeries and other procedures on the colorectal system.
- Radiation oncologist –A doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy.
Yes, many of our patients are able to participate in clinical trials if they meet the requirements. Take a look at our current clinical trials and learn more about our ongoing cancer research.
No, colonoscopies aren’t painful. We use sedatives to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. We’ll talk to you beforehand about how to prepare, what to expect and answer any of your questions.
No, not all polyps will develop into colorectal cancer. Most polyps found in the colon or rectum can be classified into a few different categories.
- Adenomatous polyps, sometimes called adenomas, can often develop into cancer and are called pre-cancerous.
- Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps are more common but don’t usually develop into cancer.
Other factors that determine whether or not a polyp is pre-cancerous is the size, the number of polyps found and how your colon or rectum heal after the polyp is removed.
We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne and many others.
Not sure what your insurance covers? Call the number on the back of your card for help looking at your options.
Don’t have your card in front of you? Here are the member services numbers to help you get started:
- HealthPartners:
800-883-2177 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota:
800-382-2000 - CIGNA:
800-244-6224 (insurance through work);866-494-2111 (insurance directly or through the Exchange) - Medica:
800-952-3455 - Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (
1-800-633-4227 ) - PreferredOne:
763-847-4477 (in the Twin Cities);800-997-1750 (outside the metro area) - United Healthcare:
877-842-3210