Colorectal cancer care

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among adults in the U.S., but in its earliest stage is highly treatable.

At Advocate Cancer Institute, our board-certified gastroenterologists and oncologists understand colorectal cancer and apply their depth of experience to provide the best care for each person. We offer some of the most advanced treatment techniques available, including da Vinci robotic colectomy, for less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery.

Find an Advocate Cancer Institute near you.

Colon cancer symptoms

Most colon cancers arise from polyps, or growths on the lining of your colon. These polyps are benign when they first appear, but some can grow and turn into cancer over time. Getting a colonoscopy helps detect polyps early before any symptoms start. Removing them can prevent cancer from developing.

People with colorectal cancer often do not have symptoms right away. By the time symptoms occur, the cancer may have grown or spread to other organs. This can make it harder to treat. That’s why routine cancer screening is important.

A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowel is not empty after a bowel movement can be one of the first noticeable symptoms, which can also include:

• Bright red or very dark blood in your stool
• Constant tiredness
• Stools that are thinner than usual
• Stools that look slimy or have mucous on them
• Ongoing gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting

Colon cancer risk factors

Adults over age 45 are most at risk for colorectal cancer, but other factors that may increase a person's risk for developing colorectal cancer include:

• Having pre-cancerous polyps in the colon
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Diet high in animal fat and low in calcium

Detection & diagnosis

Physicians at Advocate Health Care use a number of tests to screen adults at high risk or those suspected of having colorectal cancer. Learn more about screenings, which can catch colorectal cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. You also can request an appointment to schedule a screening.

Colon cancer treatment

If you’re diagnosed with colorectal cancer, rest assured you have some of Illinois’ best experts by your side. Together, our multi-skilled team will work closely with you to create a personal treatment plan, which may include the latest surgical, medical and radiation therapies to destroy cancer cells.

Support for every step

In addition to top-notch medical care, we’re committed to caring for the whole you, and providing the resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of free or low-cost cancer support services – from education to rehabilitation, nutritional to spiritual counseling, support groups and more empowering programs. These resources include:

• Access to cancer clinical trials
• Cancer nurse navigators
• Cancer counseling program