Colorectal Cancer Care

Colorectal cancer — including colon, rectal and anal cancers — is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States. Early detection and advances in treatment are improving outcomes among many people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

PeaceHealth offers the full spectrum of care to diagnose, treat and manage many types of colorectal cancers. This helps you focus on what matters most — healing and recovering.

Colorectal cancer care at PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth offers colorectal cancer care close to home in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

Where compassion and experience meet technology

Advances in colorectal cancer care help patients heal more quickly and experience less pain. The compassionate specialists at PeaceHealth have experience in a wide range of minimally invasive procedures that allow us to quickly diagnose and remove cancer.

Guiding you along your path

Cancer is a journey that should never be taken alone. Our nurse navigators are here to answer your questions, help you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan and schedule doctor appointments and tests.

An integrated approach to care

Better outcomes often come from a holistic approach to care. PeaceHealth offers a team of specialists across all disciplines — from oncology to radiation, nutrition to rehabilitation — who work closely together to make sure you get the care you need.

Collaborating for you

No two cancers or patients are alike. That’s why we put you at the center of treatment plans — your needs, goals, unique cancer diagnosis and medical and family history are all taken into consideration. Your care team is committed to delivering compassionate care that helps you feel stronger, better and supported throughout your journey.

Conditions We Treat

Anal cancer
This uncommon cancer is found in the anus or anal canal. Many cases are believed to have been caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus.
Bowel cancer
Cancer develops in the large bowel and depending on the location of the cancer it can also be called colon or rectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer includes cancer of the colon, rectum and anus. We treat adenocarcinomas and other types of tumors, such as carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GSITs), lymphomas and sarcomas.

Rectal cancer
Cancer cells are found in the rectum which is the last part of the large intestine.
Small intestine cancer
This rare cancer forms in the small intestine — between the stomach and the colon. This is also called the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatments Provided

Cancer rehabilitation

Cancer treatment sometimes causes side effects. These may include trouble concentrating, lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup), chronic pain or weakened muscles. PeaceHealth offers a wide range of rehabilitation services to help you manage these problems and regain your strength.

Rehab therapy may include:

  • Physical or occupational therapy – Programs can help improve function and mobility, adapt to lifestyle changes after surgery and rebuild strength.
  • Lymphedema therapy – Certified specialists offer personalized support to help improve circulation and your range of motion.
  • Feeding and swallowing therapy – Therapy to help you get back to easily chewing and swallowing food.
  • Specialized rehabilitation – Therapy tailored to your needs and goals. This may include pulmonary rehab, cardiac rehab, balance and vestibular (inner ear) therapy or incontinence (bladder control) therapy.
  • Neuropsychology – Testing and therapies to help improve concentration, thinking and focus.
  • Wound care – Specialized care and help to manage surgery scars and wounds. This may include removing scar tissue (resection), hyperbaric oxygen therapy and others.
  • Behavioral health therapies – Group or one-on-one sessions offer coping strategies for you and your loved ones.
  • Pain rehabilitation therapies – Nonsurgical and interventional approach to manage pain using medicines, injections, biofeedback and other methods.
Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer screenings check for polyps or cancer cells in the anus, rectum and colon. Screenings for colorectal cancer include:

  • Digital rectal exam – This painless physical exam allows physicians to check for lumps inside the rectum.
  • Colonoscopy – A small scope with a camera is inserted into the rectum and colon to look for polyps or growths that may signal colorectal cancer.
  • Fecal occult blood tests – These tests look for hidden blood in stool, which may mean colorectal cancer is present.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Like a colonoscopy, a small scope with a camera is inserted into the body. This lets your doctor view the rectum and lower colon.
Colorectal surgery

Conditions affecting the colon (large intestine), rectum and anus include cancer, growths (polyps), diverticulitis, fecal incontinence, bowel obstruction and hemorrhoids. Surgeons resect organs (remove all or diseased parts) and perform complex procedures using few incisions.

Endoscopic procedures and biopsies
Advances in colorectal screenings allow doctors to remove and study tissue samples during colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies. This can help lower the number of procedures you need.
Medical oncology

Your cancer care team includes experienced providers from across specialties, led by your medical oncologist. These doctors specialize in oncology and hematology. They are here to share their insight and experience with you and your family.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may help stop or slow cancer cell growth using high-energy beams. Often used along with other treatments, radiation therapy for breast cancer can include external beam radiation (outside the body) and internal beam radiation (inside the body, called brachytherapy). We offer advanced radiation that conforms to and targets your tumor, even if it moves. This can result in safer, more precise treatments. These include 3D conformal radiation and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).