Providence Colorectal Cancer Program

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Colorectal Cancer Program

At Providence, we care for all your colorectal needs. From screening for colon cancer through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, we support you every step of the way.

Colon cancer can be scary. It’s the third most common cancer in the U.S. Most people diagnosed with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first. It can be harder to notice colon cancer signs until the cancer is more advanced. But the good news is colon cancer is preventable. There are effective screening tests, such as colonoscopy, that help find colon cancer and rectal cancer early. And the earlier specialists find colorectal cancer, the easier it is to treat.

Our Colorectal Cancer Program includes a team of experts in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. With medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons all under one roof, you’ll have access to coordinated care, so you can focus on getting better. Let’s stop colorectal cancer – together.

503-215-6014

Colorectal Cancer Program

At Providence, we care for all your colorectal needs. From screening for colon cancer through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, we support you every step of the way.

Colon cancer can be scary. It’s the third most common cancer in the U.S. Most people diagnosed with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first. It can be harder to notice colon cancer signs until the cancer is more advanced. But the good news is colon cancer is preventable. There are effective screening tests, such as colonoscopy, that help find colon cancer and rectal cancer early. And the earlier specialists find colorectal cancer, the easier it is to treat.

Our Colorectal Cancer Program includes a team of experts in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. With medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons all under one roof, you’ll have access to coordinated care, so you can focus on getting better. Let’s stop colorectal cancer – together.

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. Sometimes, it’s called colon cancer or rectal cancer (though often, it’s combined as colorectal cancer). The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, a part of the digestive system.

What causes colorectal cancer

Colon and rectal cancer start from small growths called polyps. These polyps are lumps that form in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps can become cancerous as they grow and spread to other parts of the body.

Polyp symptoms may not appear until the cancer is more advanced. Some symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits or stomach pain.

Other causes of colorectal cancer

There are factors that may make someone more likely to develop colorectal cancer:

  • African American
  • An immediate family member (mother, father, sister or brother) who has had polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Getting older
  • High consumption of red or processed meat
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Inherited condition that causes colorectal cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • Low fiber diet
  • Overweight or no exercise
  • Previous colorectal cancer
  • Previous colon polyps or rectal polyps
  • Smoking

At Providence, we’re here to answer your questions about colorectal cancer. If you have any risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Additional details
New guidelines

The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently revised their guidelines to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Contact your health insurance provider to learn about coverage information for colorectal screening.

Unlike many cancers, colorectal cancer is preventable. Screening can help lower your risk for colorectal cancer. The screening process helps find any small growths (called colon polyps or rectal polyps) in the lining of your colon or rectum.

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 6 of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if everyone over age 50 got screened regularly.

There are a few types of colorectal cancer screenings. The most common include:

  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This is a yearly test that requires a stool sample. The test checks for hidden blood in the stool that can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. Results from this test may show a need for a colonoscopy.
  • Colonoscopy: This is the most common type of colorectal cancer screening. Most specialists consider it the “gold standard” in detecting colon cancer. People who have a colonoscopy with normal findings should get screened every 10 years. Myth-busting colonoscopy: Addressing your concerns.

You should talk to your doctor about which screening test is right for you.

Colorectal cancer’s silent spread and how to prevent it

The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Task Force recommend beginning colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continuing screening until age 75. Some people may get screened earlier if they have certain risk factors or symptoms:

  • Blood in the stool or ongoing changes in bowel habits
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Personal history of colon polyps or rectal polyps

Contact your health insurance provider to learn about coverage information for colorectal cancer screening.

A colonoscopy can detect more than 95% of cancer cells, colon polyps and rectal polyps. During a colonoscopy, a specialist spots and removes polyps. This removal decreases the risk of colorectal cancer.

A specialist uses a tool called a colonoscope to look at the inside of the rectum and the entire colon. A colonoscope has a light and a camera for viewing. It also has a tool for removing polyps, if needed.

Patients lie on their side or back while the specialist slowly moves the colonoscope through the large intestine. Patients are usually given medicine to help them relax and sleep during the colonoscopy. This means they are comfortable and often don’t even remember the procedure afterwards.

A colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes, but patients typically stay at the clinic for two to three hours. Time includes waiting, preparation and recovery.

A colonoscopy requires that the colon be completely empty. Patients must follow a liquid diet and take prescribed laxatives to clean the colon before the procedure. To ensure a successful procedure, patients should follow all prep instructions from their doctor and ask any questions.

It’s important to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

Six ways to make colonoscopy prep more comfortable (really!)

The main ways to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer include these actions:

  • Do not smoke
  • Eat fruit, veggies and whole grains
  • Exercise 30 minutes a day
  • Get screened
  • Limit alcohol
  • Limit consumption of red and processed meat
  • Watch your weight

When you have cancer, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do next. Our team of colorectal specialists is here to help determine which treatment option is best for you.

Additional details

  • Colonoscopy: Specialists can remove some early colorectal cancers and many polyps during a colonoscopy.
  • Colon cancer surgery: More advanced colorectal cancer may require surgery. Board-certified colorectal surgeons at Providence often use minimally invasive surgery techniques to shorten hospital stays.
  • Radiation therapy: For some colon cancers, you may need chemotherapy and radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Providence offers multiple types of radiation therapy, including new MRI-guided radiation therapy (MR-Linac). This technology can deliver more precise radiation treatment because of its ongoing MRI monitoring of organ movement during treatment. MR-Linac decreases damage to healthy tissues and organs. It provides stronger, shorter and more effective radiation therapy compared to standard methods.
  • Targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Multiple therapies can be used together or separately to target cancer cells. These drugs may be injected into a vein or taken orally to enter the bloodstream and treat the cancer. Providence has been involved in developing new immunotherapy treatments for over 25 years. Providence is also known globally for robust research and breakthrough treatments offered to patients.
  • Genomic sequencing: This process can help your providers determine what treatments may be helpful and find new study treatment options.

As the only cancer program in Oregon that is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), Providence meets the highest standards for rectal cancer treatment. As a NAPRC program, we ensure that a full team of rectal cancer experts reviews every patient’s treatment plan. When a team of experts reviews your diagnosis and determines an evidence-based care plan, it is proven to lead to better treatment outcomes.

Treatment options include:

  • Organ sparing therapy: Many patients with rectal cancer aim to avoid radical surgery, removal of the colon and a permanent colostomy (bag). By using a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, and highly specialized transrectal surgery, Providence doctors try to avoid radical surgery and minimize the long-term side effects of therapy.
  • Chemotherapy: This therapy plays a major role in the treatment of rectal cancer. It is often given before surgery to maximize the benefits and to have the least possible side effects. Providence has been involved in developing new immunotherapy treatments for over 25 years. Providence is also known globally for the robust research and breakthrough treatments offered to patients.
  • Radiation therapy: For some rectal cancers, you may need chemotherapy and radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Providence offers multiple types of radiation therapy, including new MRI-guided radiation therapy (MR-Linac). This technology can deliver more precise radiation treatment because of its ongoing MRI monitoring of organ movement during treatment. MR-Linac decreases damage to healthy tissues and organs. It provides stronger, shorter and more effective radiation therapy compared to standard methods.

At the Providence Cancer Institute Franz Dysplasia Clinic, we focus on people at a high risk for anal dysplasia. Anal dysplasia includes a spectrum of diseases and lesions that can lead to invasive anal cancer, which is different from colorectal cancer. Our services are focused on preventing anal dysplasia from turning into anal cancer.

They include:

  • Anal pap smear screening, which helps find anal cancer
  • High-resolution anoscopy, which helps examine the anal canal and includes a biopsy of abnormal lesions
  • Infrared coagulation, which targets and removes pre-cancerous lesions using a light-based ablative therapy
  • Patient access to integrative medicine and psychosocial support
  • Patient education and support for anal health, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination
  • Resources to stop smoking and improve healthy eating habits
  • Topical treatments applied to the body’s surface
  • Training for health care providers who wish to perform anal pap smear screenings in their own offices

Should your cancer develop further and require treatment, we offer the following options:

  • Radiation therapy: For some anal cancers, you may need chemotherapy and radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Providence offers multiple types of radiation therapy, including new MRI-guided radiation therapy (MR-Linac). This technology can deliver more precise radiation treatment because of its ongoing MRI monitoring of organ movement during treatment. MR-Linac decreases damage to healthy tissues and organs. It provides stronger, shorter and more effective radiation therapy compared to standard methods.
  • Chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Multiple therapies can be used together or separately to target cancer cells. These drugs may be injected into a vein or taken orally to enter the bloodstream and treat the cancer. Providence has been involved in developing new immunotherapy treatments for over 25 years. Providence is also known globally for the robust research and breakthrough treatments offered to patients.
  • Genomic sequencing: Genomic sequencing can help your providers determine what treatments may be helpful and find new study treatment options.

Clinical trials are research studies that test whether new medical treatments, devices or strategies are safe and effective. Patients who volunteer for clinical trials play an active role in their own health care. They often gain access to new study treatments and help others by improving and advancing medical care.

At Providence, our colorectal specialists work directly with our researchers. We don’t stop until we can find a way to treat your colorectal cancer. Clinical trials give you access to the latest treatments available.

More than 150 trials are open at any time.

Related Resources

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is common in the U.S. But thankfully, we have effective screening methods that can catch it early. The earlier we find colorectal cancer, the better chance we have for a cure.

Risk Increases in Younger Populations

In the past 20 years, colorectal cancer has risen among people under age 50. The American Cancer society recommends screening at age 45 for people at average risk. Regular screening is key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. Talk to your doctor about your screening options and check insurance to make sure screening at your age is covered.

A Survivor's Story

Hear from a Providence patient about his experience with colorectal cancer – including how he was diagnosed and treated. He also has an important message about getting screened for colorectal cancer.

Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?

We know that every patient is unique. No two patients – or their treatment plans – are alike. This is why we take a highly personalized approach to cancer care, and we always put our patients first. Our cancer specialists are at the forefront of innovative, state-of-the-art technologies and treatment options.  We partner with you to develop specialized treatment plans that fit your needs and provide the best outcomes. At Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, some of our advanced treatments include:

  • Complete genomic sequencing to determine the unique genetic composition of your cancer and the most effective treatments 
  • World-class immunotherapy capabilities, including adoptive cell therapy, CAR T-cell therapy, TIL therapy and high-dose IL-2 
  • Targeted therapies, including oral and infusion chemotherapy
  • State-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical options, including robotic- assisted surgery and advanced surgical oncology research through biomedical engineering technology
  • A comprehensive Radiation Oncology Program, with state-of-the-art external beam and internal radiation therapy treatments, including the only MRI linear accelerator in the Pacific Northwest, Gamma Knife Perfexion, HDR Brachytherapy and more
  • A robust clinical trials portfolio of early phase studies developed by our world-renowned researchers and cooperative group studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute
  • Genetic counseling and testing for cancer risk assessment, prevention, early detection and treatment planning
  • An award-winning Cardio-Oncology Program to minimize the cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments
  • Evidence-based complementary medicine such as naturopathy, massage therapy and acupuncture through our Integrative Medicine Program

You will have access to unsurpassed support at every stage of your treatment, adding an extra dimension of care to help fight cancer. Our oncology nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians and spiritual care providers help guide you through treatment and promote health on every level — body, mind and spirit. As an added layer of support, our Oncology Resource Specialists provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families and care partners. These caregivers will help you navigate and use the many resources available throughout the community and through Providence.

Learn more about our cancer support services.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to great cancer care hasn’t always been the same for everyone. At Providence, we are deeply committed to making sure every patient we treat has access to the best cancer care. We value, respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each member of our diverse community, and we never turn a patient away. Instead, we work to make sure every patient is treated equally and with dignity – whoever you are, and wherever you are in your journey.

When you become a patient at Providence, you become part of a collaborative cancer-care network. Our care often exceeds national measures for patient outcomes. We have award-winning doctors, scientists, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. The skills of your local team and the power of this network add up to the best, most compassionate care. And if you need to meet with a specialist outside your area, we have telehealth technology to help. Our network and superior care are among the reasons 6,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients choose Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon each year.

Through our pioneering research, we have helped make cancer immunotherapy a new standard of care. Our globally renowned team of physician researchers and scientists at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute offers hope to patients and families.

THE POWER OF OUR NETWORK

Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon

Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.

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