Colorectal Cancer Program
At Providence, we care for all your colorectal needs. From screening for colon cancer through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, we support you every step of the way.
Colon cancer can be scary. It’s the third most common cancer in the U.S. Most people diagnosed with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first. It can be harder to notice colon cancer signs until the cancer is more advanced. But the good news is colon cancer is preventable. There are effective screening tests, such as colonoscopy, that help find colon cancer and rectal cancer early. And the earlier specialists find colorectal cancer, the easier it is to treat.
Our Colorectal Cancer Program includes a team of experts in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. With medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons all under one roof, you’ll have access to coordinated care, so you can focus on getting better. Let’s stop colorectal cancer – together.
Colorectal Cancer Program
At Providence, we care for all your colorectal needs. From screening for colon cancer through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, we support you every step of the way.
Colon cancer can be scary. It’s the third most common cancer in the U.S. Most people diagnosed with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first. It can be harder to notice colon cancer signs until the cancer is more advanced. But the good news is colon cancer is preventable. There are effective screening tests, such as colonoscopy, that help find colon cancer and rectal cancer early. And the earlier specialists find colorectal cancer, the easier it is to treat.
Our Colorectal Cancer Program includes a team of experts in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. With medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons all under one roof, you’ll have access to coordinated care, so you can focus on getting better. Let’s stop colorectal cancer – together.
Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. Sometimes, it’s called colon cancer or rectal cancer (though often, it’s combined as colorectal cancer). The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, a part of the digestive system.
Colon and rectal cancer start from small growths called polyps. These polyps are lumps that form in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps can become cancerous as they grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Polyp symptoms may not appear until the cancer is more advanced. Some symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits or stomach pain.
There are factors that may make someone more likely to develop colorectal cancer:
- African American
- An immediate family member (mother, father, sister or brother) who has had polyps or colorectal cancer
- Excessive alcohol use
- Getting older
- High consumption of red or processed meat
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Inherited condition that causes colorectal cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Low fiber diet
- Overweight or no exercise
- Previous colorectal cancer
- Previous colon polyps or rectal polyps
- Smoking
At Providence, we’re here to answer your questions about colorectal cancer. If you have any risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently revised their guidelines to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Contact your health insurance provider to learn about coverage information for colorectal screening.
Unlike many cancers, colorectal cancer is preventable. Screening can help lower your risk for colorectal cancer. The screening process helps find any small growths (called colon polyps or rectal polyps) in the lining of your colon or rectum.
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 6 of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if everyone over age 50 got screened regularly.
There are a few types of colorectal cancer screenings. Learn more about screenings.
When you have cancer, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do next. Our team of colorectal specialists is here to help determine which treatment option is best for you.
- Colonoscopy: Specialists can remove some early colorectal cancers and many polyps during a colonoscopy.
- Colon cancer surgery: More advanced colorectal cancer may require surgery. Board-certified colorectal surgeons at Providence often use minimally invasive surgery techniques to shorten hospital stays.
- Radiation therapy: For some colon cancers, you may need chemotherapy and radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Providence offers multiple types of radiation therapy, including new MRI-guided radiation therapy (MR-Linac). This technology can deliver more precise radiation treatment because of its ongoing MRI monitoring of organ movement during treatment. MR-Linac decreases damage to healthy tissues and organs. It provides stronger, shorter and more effective radiation therapy compared to standard methods.
- Targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Multiple therapies can be used together or separately to target cancer cells. These drugs may be injected into a vein or taken orally to enter the bloodstream and treat the cancer. Providence has been involved in developing new immunotherapy treatments for over 25 years. Providence is also known globally for robust research and breakthrough treatments offered to patients.
- Genomic sequencing: This process can help your providers determine what treatments may be helpful and find new study treatment options.
As the only cancer program in Oregon that is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), Providence meets the highest standards for rectal cancer treatment. As a NAPRC program, we ensure that a full team of rectal cancer experts reviews every patient’s treatment plan. When a team of experts reviews your diagnosis and determines an evidence-based care plan, it is proven to lead to better treatment outcomes.
Treatment options include:
- Organ sparing therapy: Many patients with rectal cancer aim to avoid radical surgery, removal of the colon and a permanent colostomy (bag). By using a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, and highly specialized transrectal surgery, Providence doctors try to avoid radical surgery and minimize the long-term side effects of therapy.
- Chemotherapy: This therapy plays a major role in the treatment of rectal cancer. It is often given before surgery to maximize the benefits and to have the least possible side effects. Providence has been involved in developing new immunotherapy treatments for over 25 years. Providence is also known globally for the robust research and breakthrough treatments offered to patients.
- Radiation therapy: For some rectal cancers, you may need chemotherapy and radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Providence offers multiple types of radiation therapy, including new MRI-guided radiation therapy (MR-Linac). This technology can deliver more precise radiation treatment because of its ongoing MRI monitoring of organ movement during treatment. MR-Linac decreases damage to healthy tissues and organs. It provides stronger, shorter and more effective radiation therapy compared to standard methods.
At the Providence Cancer Institute Franz Dysplasia Clinic, we focus on people at a high risk for anal dysplasia. Anal dysplasia includes a spectrum of diseases and lesions that can lead to invasive anal cancer, which is different from colorectal cancer. Our services are focused on preventing anal dysplasia from turning into anal cancer.
They include:
- Anal pap smear screening, which helps find anal cancer
- High-resolution anoscopy, which helps examine the anal canal and includes a biopsy of abnormal lesions
- Infrared coagulation, which targets and removes pre-cancerous lesions using a light-based ablative therapy
- Patient access to integrative medicine and psychosocial support
- Patient education and support for anal health, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination
- Resources to stop smoking and improve healthy eating habits
- Topical treatments applied to the body’s surface
- Training for health care providers who wish to perform anal pap smear screenings in their own offices
Should your cancer develop further and require treatment, we offer the following options:
- Radiation therapy: For some anal cancers, you may need chemotherapy and radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Providence offers multiple types of radiation therapy, including new MRI-guided radiation therapy (MR-Linac). This technology can deliver more precise radiation treatment because of its ongoing MRI monitoring of organ movement during treatment. MR-Linac decreases damage to healthy tissues and organs. It provides stronger, shorter and more effective radiation therapy compared to standard methods.
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Multiple therapies can be used together or separately to target cancer cells. These drugs may be injected into a vein or taken orally to enter the bloodstream and treat the cancer. Providence has been involved in developing new immunotherapy treatments for over 25 years. Providence is also known globally for the robust research and breakthrough treatments offered to patients.
- Genomic sequencing: Genomic sequencing can help your providers determine what treatments may be helpful and find new study treatment options.
Clinical trials are research studies that test whether new medical treatments, devices or strategies are safe and effective. Patients who volunteer for clinical trials play an active role in their own health care. They often gain access to new study treatments and help others by improving and advancing medical care.
At Providence, our colorectal specialists work directly with our researchers. We don’t stop until we can find a way to treat your colorectal cancer. Clinical trials give you access to the latest treatments available.
More than 150 trials are open at any time.
Meet the Team
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Recognition
U.S. News & World Report - High Performing Hospital in Colon Cancer Surgery (2024-25)
Related Resources
Colorectal cancer is common in the U.S. But thankfully, we have effective screening methods that can catch it early. The earlier we find colorectal cancer, the better chance we have for a cure.
In the past 20 years, colorectal cancer has risen among people under age 50. The American Cancer society recommends screening at age 45 for people at average risk. Regular screening is key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. Talk to your doctor about your screening options and check insurance to make sure screening at your age is covered.
Hear from a Providence patient about his experience with colorectal cancer – including how he was diagnosed and treated. He also has an important message about getting screened for colorectal cancer.
Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?
Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon
Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.
