Latest Advancements in Colon Cancer Treatment

At the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center, the latest advancements in cancer care are available for colon cancer, including robotic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and clinical trials. Our oncology specialists have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat your specific type and stage of colon cancer. As a regional destination for cancer care, our team provides expert care for residents across Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, sometimes known as colorectal cancer, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the colon or the rectum. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Different factors such as genetics, diet and lifestyle habits may increase or decrease your personal risk of getting colon cancer.

Symptoms of colon cancer may include a noticeable change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, blood in your stool, weakness, fatigue or unexplained weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider right away to determine next steps for screening and diagnosis.

Colon Cancer Treatments That Meet Your Individual Needs

Colon cancer treatment begins with precision diagnostics followed by a thorough evaluation of your specific type and stage of cancer. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to colon cancer treatment. Our experienced multidisciplinary team at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center meets regularly to evaluate and discuss each case to develop a colon cancer treatment plan tailored to address the uniqueness of each patient.

Colon cancer treatment options may include:

  • Medical Oncology: Cancers are treated with drug therapy to kill dividing cancer cells. Medical oncology may use chemotherapy and/or biotherapy.
  • Radiation Oncology: This involves using high-energy x-rays to treat tumors using radiation.
  • Surgery: Different types of surgery are used for diagnostics and treatment of colon cancer. Minimally invasive colorectal robotic surgery is now available at Skagit Regional Health.

Support for Patients with Colon Cancer

Throughout your diagnosis and colon cancer treatment plan we will help you focus solely on getting well. We are here to answer any questions about our wide range of support services, including:

Colon Cancer Screening Tests Save Lives

Colon cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colon cancer. Studies show that some screening tests for colon cancer help find cancer at an early stage and may decrease the number of deaths from the disease.

Types of tests used to screen for colon cancer may include:

If abnormal tissue or cancer is found early during colon cancer screening tests, it may be easier to treat. By the time colon cancer symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.

Colon Cancer Clinical Trials

Your medical team will review new and promising clinical trials that specifically treat colorectal cancer. If you meet the clinical trial criteria, you have the opportunity to talk more with your provider to determine if a clinical trial is right for you.

For More Information About Colon Cancer Services

To learn more about our leading-edge colon cancer treatments, please contact one of our team members at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center at 360-814-2146. We can help you make an appointment with a cancer care physician at one of our convenient locations.

For more information on colorectal cancer, visit these trusted sites:

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute