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For general questions and information, please visit our Patient Help Center.

Colon & Rectal Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you can be assured our team offers the skills and technology found in the most advanced cancer hospitals in the nation right here on Cape Cod. And you’ll benefit from the extra support that comes from receiving treatment close to home.

Risk Factors

In addition to having a family history of the disease, risk factors also include controllable lifestyle components including:

Diet
Physical activity
Excess body weight
Tobacco and alcohol

Signs & Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colorectal polyps or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, don’t always cause symptoms. As such, regular screening is essential in order to understand your personal colorectal cancer risks and to detect cancer early.

For those experiencing colorectal cancer symptoms, they might expect:

A change in bowel habits
Blood in or on your stool
Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away
Unexplained weight loss

Prevention & Early Detection

Screening tests, such as colonoscopy, are highly effective in finding precancerous polyps and detecting cancer in its earliest stages when treatment works best. Learn about the colorectal screening options available to you.

How Colorectal Cancer is Diagnosed

If screening reveals the possibility of cancer, tissue is removed from the colon or rectum for biopsy. If cancer is confirmed, additional tests will be done to determine the cancer’s stage.

How Colorectal Cancer is Treated

Your cancer care plan is developed by a diverse team of specialists from medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, radiology, pathology, nursing and social work, who collaborate on your care. Experts from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Partners HealthCare are regularly consulted for second opinions and care consultations.

Treatment will be tailored to your specific situation and may involve: