Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Overview
Colorectal cancer (colon cancer and rectal cancer) is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the body’s digestive system.
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, which means the cancer begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Some polyps become cancer over time. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and women in the United States. Deaths from colorectal cancer have decreased with the use of colonoscopies and fecal occult blood tests, which check for blood in the stool.
Summit offers the expertise and tools to fight colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer treatments depend on the size of the tumor and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
