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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.

  • Localized (Stage 1): Cancer is confined to the lining of the colon. The five-year relative survival rate is very high, often over 90%.
  • Regional (Stages 2 and 3): Cancer has grown into the wall of the colon or has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The five-year relative survival rate is around 73% for regional spread.
  • Distant (Stage 4): Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs (metastasis). The five-year relative survival rate is significantly lower, around 16%.

Colon Cancer Expertise Closer to Home

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.

Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms

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:

  • A bowel habit change
  • Blood in or on your bowel movement
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty
  • Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away
  • Unexplained weight loss

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
  • A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
  • Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased colorectal cancer risk, including:
    • Lack of regular physical activity
    • A diet low in fruit and vegetables
    • A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats
    • Overweight and obesity
    • Alcohol consumption
    • Tobacco use

Colon cancer survivor and retired nurse continues helping patients

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.

Colon Cancer Treatment

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

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

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.

Radiation Therapy

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.

Targeted Therapy

These treatments attack specific cancer cells. Biomarker tests can help predict your response to certain types of targeted therapy drugs.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. Like targeted therapy, biomarker tests can help identify which immunotherapy drugs might be most effective for you.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Team

Leading-edge Care and Research

  • Regional leader in cancer research: With access to over 170 clinical trials, patients can join locally many of the same leading-edge studies that are available at larger centers. We are a research destination with enrolled patients who come from over 20 different U.S. states and two foreign countries.
  • Specialized expertise leading innovation: Our board-certified and fellowship-trained oncologists are subspecialized, allowing them to lead the way in advancing cancer treatment through innovative clinical trials and groundbreaking research.
  • We’re here when you need us: With same- or next-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients, valet parking and multiple locations across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, access to quality oncology care is our top priority.
  • Highly specialized testing and precision medicine: Our state-of-the-art Norton Cancer Institute Genomics Lab offers highly specialized testing that makes it possible to diagnose and treat cancer more precisely and to tailor advanced treatments based on a tumor’s specific genetic composition.
  • One-stop shop for care: Multidisciplinary care settings allow patients to schedule appointments with multiple specialists across Norton Healthcare on the same day and in the same location, making your cancer care more convenient and streamlined. This often saves patients the hassle of scheduling multiple appointments and planning for extra travel time.
  • Highly accredited: Norton Cancer Institute is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and the American College of Radiology.

Care Designed With You in Mind

  • Robust support services: With five Norton Cancer Institute Resource Centers throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana, a patient navigator program, Behavioral Oncology Program, classes and events, art and music therapy, genetic counseling, nutrition services, financial counseling and more, our support team cares not just for the body, but the person within.
  • Insurance coverage: Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
  • Specialty pharmacy services: At Norton Specialty Pharmacy, patients receive regular consultations on their medications and treatment plan, making sure they get their prescriptions quickly and accurately. Our specialty pharmacists collaborate closely with your oncology team.
  • Ease of communication with your care team: Use your free Norton MyChart account to communicate with your provider, view appointments, refill prescriptions, get on the waitlist for an earlier appointment and more, anytime from a mobile device or computer
  • The Norton Healthcare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Norton Healthcare’s not-for-profit adult-care services, continuously supports the purchase of new equipment, programs, education and funding of research to ensure our patients stay up to date with medical advances and technology.

Awards and Accreditations

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