Colon cancer treatment

Colon cancer treatment options

Colon cancer is highly treatable when discovered early. Up to 90 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in the early stages can be cured.

Cancer research advances over the past decade have led to significant improvements in colon cancer care. At Penn Medicine, we create a tailored treatment plan for you, using today’s latest therapies and tools. Our experts develop that plan based on many technical details (including colon cancer cells’ DNA) and your personal input. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these or other treatments.

Types of colon cancer surgery

Colon cancer surgery is the main treatment for early-stage colon cancers. For cancers that have spread, surgery also plays a major role in providing the best possible outcomes. The size, stage, and location of the tumor often determine the procedure we recommend. Sometimes, we confirm your diagnosis and tumor stage through surgery as well.

At Penn Medicine, our experienced colorectal surgeons are skilled in procedures that treat every stage of colon cancer. We provide comprehensive colon cancer surgery options, including minimally invasive procedures. Our colorectal surgeons also partner with doctors in other specialties, including medical oncology, to provide you with a care plan that considers your whole health to produce the best possible outcome.

Types of nonsurgical colon cancer treatments

When you come to Penn Medicine for your colon cancer treatment, you have access to a range of options, including the latest treatments through clinical trials. These may even include advanced treatments that are not yet widely available.

Wide-ranging treatments for colon cancer

Penn Medicine offers a full array of advanced treatments for colon cancer, including leading-edge targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other new treatments. Your plan may include these options.

Comprehensive colon cancer surveillance

Colon cancer treatment is evolving in promising ways. We test every cancer to learn about its genetic and molecular makeup. What we learn helps us determine which treatments are most likely to benefit you. And after treatment ends, our team follows you closely to monitor any changes in your health. Periodic colon cancer screenings, lab tests, and check-ups help our doctors detect a possible cancer recurrence early.

GI cancer program: Getting nutritional support during treatment 

Colon cancer can significantly impact your daily life. At our Gastrointestinal Cancer program, we understand the critical role of nutrition in your fight and recovery. We offer comprehensive support through registered dietitians who specialize in gastrointestinal cancers. 

Our dietitians can help you navigate specific challenges caused by colon cancer and its treatment, including changes in diet, digestion, and eating habits. They work closely with you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that optimizes your tolerance and response to therapy, ultimately promoting a smoother recovery. 

If your treatment plan includes surgery, our specialized Cancer Appetite and Rehabilitation Clinic (CARE) goes a step further. This team-based approach brings together nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and other professionals to address all aspects of your health before surgery. They’ll optimize your diet, lifestyle habits, and overall well-being, setting you up for successful surgery and recovery.

Colon cancer treatment: The Penn Medicine advantage

Penn Medicine’s GI specialists understand the nuances of colon cancer treatment. You can trust our team to make research-based recommendations that reflect your lifestyle and input.

Notable features of our colon cancer program include:

  • Surgical precision: Colon cancer treatment often requires surgery. Our highly skilled team includes well-known colorectal surgeons with unique expertise in treating all forms of primary and metastatic colon cancer. 
  • Advanced treatment options: Subspecialty training enables our experts to offer the most promising colon cancer treatment developments. Our robust GI Cancer Research Program may give you more choices, such as a targeted therapy still in clinical trials. 
  • Team mindset: Pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and other cancer specialists regularly discuss the details of your case. More eyes lead to a precise diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on a wealth of expertise. 
  • Continuing support: Our oncology nurse and patient navigators ensure you see the right specialist for your needs and help you plan the next steps in your care. We can guide you to Penn Medicine’s many cancer support services, including palliative care services, to help you manage side effects. 
  • Cancer expertise close to home: Our doctors’ close coordination across Penn Medicine locations brings high-quality cancer care closer to where you live for convenient, compassionate care.
National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

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