Colorectal cancer care

High-quality screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are crucial for successful colorectal cancer outcomes. Our patients benefit from advanced therapies, minimally invasive techniques, and compassionate, expert care.

Anatomical intestines model on doctor table over background gastroenterologist consulting female patient

Colorectal cancer expertise and support you can count on

Colorectal cancer is the third-most common type of cancer around the world, with rates on the rise in younger adults. When discovered early, it’s highly treatable. At Penn Medicine, our colorectal cancer program offers early screening to advanced treatments, including nationally ranked colorectal surgery.

Working as a team, our oncologists, surgeons, and gastroenterologists treat all types of colorectal cancers—colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer—with compassion and expertise. Cancer surgeons often work alongside other surgical specialists to perform highly technical procedures and to remove colorectal cancers safely and effectively. They meet regularly to review your test results and weigh in on the right plan for you, so you can have the best possible outcome.

When you trust us with your cancer care, you can also expect supportive services, including an oncology nurse navigator who can help schedule appointments and guide you to resources, so you can focus on getting well. Our experienced oncology support team provides care, guidance, education, emotional support, and tools to help you and your family manage the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

Support services

Through these offerings, you can receive specialized physical and emotional support during cancer treatment.

Colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers we treat

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.

Colorectal cancer treatment at Penn Medicine

A colorectal cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. We offer the latest and most effective treatment options to give you the best chance for a full recovery. Our colorectal surgeons are experts in minimally invasive methods like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, which can ease recovery and lower complication risks. We also perform sphincter-sparing surgery whenever possible, preserving your natural bowel function and avoiding a permanent colostomy.


In addition to surgery, we provide targeted therapies like immunotherapy, which harnesses your body’s immune system to treat your cancer. Proton therapy offers a highly precise form of radiation treatment, delivering radiation only to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy organs. This is particularly beneficial for treating colorectal tumors located near healthy organs.


Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments.

Colon and Rectum Removal Surgery (Proctocolectomy)
Colon and Rectum Removal Surgery (Proctocolectomy)
Colon Cancer Surgery
Colon Cancer Surgery
Colon Removal Surgery (Colectomy)
Colon Removal Surgery (Colectomy)
Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
Sphincter Sparing Surgery
Sphincter Sparing Surgery

Genomic and genetic testing for colorectal cancer

To determine the best treatment options for your colorectal cancer, we perform genomic testing on tumor tissue to analyze the cancer’s DNA. Our oncologists and care teams can use this information to personalize treatments, such as targeted therapies that attack a specific part of the cancer cell, or treatments that may cause fewer side effects.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, our Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program can help you understand and evaluate your genetic risk of cancer. We offer expert genetic counseling to help you evaluate, understand, and manage the potential hereditary risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal tumor boards and collaborative multidisciplinary care

For the most comprehensive treatment plan, your doctor may choose to present your case to the colorectal tumor board. Combining their expertise, our colorectal oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other colorectal cancer specialists collaboratively examine your case from every angle, ensuring it’s the most appropriate and proactive. This review can also identify opportunities for you to participate in clinical trials or colorectal cancer research studies. Access to this level of expertise and collaboration is one of the best predictors of positive outcomes for colorectal cancer.

Young Adult-Onset Colorectal Cancer Program

Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults (under age 50). We understand that a colorectal cancer diagnosis is overwhelming at any age. However, for young adults, it can present unique challenges, like cancer therapies that may affect fertility and sexual health. Penn Medicine’s Young Adult-Onset Colorectal Cancer Program offers the latest colorectal cancer treatments, with enhanced care for young patients, including preserving sperm or eggs if treatment could impact fertility.

Our comprehensive care also includes colonoscopy screening services, support groups, and young adult programs. While the cause of rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults is unclear, we’re actively researching prevention, detection, and treatment options through a multidisciplinary approach.

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Survivorship program

Colorectal cancer survivors need long-term, personalized survivorship care to manage their health and well-being. Our premier cancer survivorship program provides comprehensive follow-up care and support, tailored to your unique needs.

Cancer care at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at both the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health and Princeton Medical Center.
Diverse team of doctors having a discussion

Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

Panoramic shot of Penn Medicine's downtown campus

Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

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In the face of skin cancer, proton made all the difference

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Patient puts national spotlight on cancer clinical trials

As Kate Korson recently shared on Good Morning America, both she and her mother participated in clinical trials at Abramson Cancer Center.

Finding triple-negative breast cancer at 33, she chose ‘Team Penn’

Shocked to learn she had stage III breast cancer, Kate Korson knew just where to go. She flew home to Penn Medicine, where a clinical trial saved her life.

CNN anchor Kasie Hunt had brain surgery at Penn

Before starting her own daily news show, journalist Kasie Hunt came to Penn Medicine for a growing brain tumor that was causing painful headaches.

New lungs, a new liver, and a new lease on life

Decades after a childhood diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, Donald traveled across the world to find transplant care he could trust at Penn Medicine.

Home-assisted ventilation for autoimmune disease: Kim’s story

A rare autoimmune disease kept Kim Day from his favorite outdoor hobbies, until he met doctors in the Fishman Program for Home Assisted Ventilation.

Tool measures tumor growth for less uncertainty between scans

Neuroradiologists have developed the first-ever tool that gives a real-time assessment of an individual’s tumor, and relieves anxiety between scans.

ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure

From cancer survivor to lung failure, Joey Porch’s journey took a miraculous turn with the help of the Penn Lung Rescue team

Redefining the cancer bell to celebrate with meaning

The Abramson Cancer Center wants to make bell-ringing more inclusive, so cancer patients can recognize their moments to cheer, large and small.

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