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Colon cancer begins inside the large intestine, typically as small clumps of cells called precancerous polyps. Polyps can become cancerous over time. Colon cancer is sometimes known by the broader term, colorectal cancer, to include rectal cancer.
In its early stages, colon cancer typically doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms can vary, depending on the size and location of the cancer along the path of the large intestine.
Thanks to colorectal cancer screening, research and treatment advances, about 91% of patients survive at least five years if the cancer is detected while still confined to the lining of the colon, according to the American Cancer Society. Survival rates are lower once the cancer spreads to nearby tissue or distant organs.
Norton Cancer Institute physicians are at the forefront of research. As frequent leaders of clinical trials into new therapies, Norton Cancer Institute’s specialists can offer access to new drugs and treatments before they’re approved for wider use.
If you get a colon cancer diagnosis, Norton Cancer Institute offers same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients.
Polyps and even actual colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially when first developing. Getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer — before you have symptoms and before the cancer has a chance to spread — allows for treatment when it’s most effective. If you experience any symptoms that concern you, discuss them with your primary care provider.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer symptoms may include:
Vicki saw an opportunity to care for others. Pillows to help protect her surgery site were very comforting and she knew of a group who would be willing to help.
Our oncology team has the experience to deliver the most effective treatment. Norton Cancer Institute’s colon cancer specialists are at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to getting patients back to living their lives.
State-of-the-art treatments include immunotherapy and biologic therapies that can provide a unique treatment designed specifically to combat the genetic makeup of your cancer.
Depending on how advanced your colon cancer is, treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
In addition to our current leading-edge treatments, we offer you the opportunity to participate in innovative National Cancer Institute- and industry-sponsored clinical research studies. A clinical trial would give you access to new therapies that aren’t widely available.
Your colon cancer patient navigator will guide you through the treatment process. The navigator is a registered nurse and advocate for patients and families who can help coordinate scheduling to minimize visits. The navigator provides information and support through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Surgery is the most common treatment for any colon cancer. Surgery can include removing a polyp from the colon or rectum during a colonoscopy or more invasive procedures to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. This could include removing a section of colon, then reconnecting it. In some cases, the colon can’t be reconnected, and colostomy is performed to deposit feces in a bag.
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat to kill cancer cells. Electrodes on a special probe are inserted either through the skin with local anesthesia or through an incision in the abdomen, requiring general anesthesia.
Similarly, cryosurgery freezes abnormal tissue to destroy it.
Chemotherapy drugs are used to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or preventing them from dividing.
Systemic chemotherapy drugs are taken by mouth or injection; they enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body.
Regional chemotherapy drugs can target the liver if the cancer has spread there.
External radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target cancer cells with precision. Internal radiation therapy places a radioactive substance directly into or near the cancer and can be used for colon cancer that has spread to the liver.
These treatments attack specific cancer cells. Biomarker tests can help predict your response to certain types of targeted therapy drugs.
Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. Like targeted therapy, biomarker tests can help identify which immunotherapy drugs might be most effective for you.