Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Screening Guidelines

Our gastroenterologists recommend the following colorectal screening schedule:

• First colonoscopy screening at age 45; age 40 for African Americans
• If colorectal cancer runs in your family, get your first colonoscopy screening 10 years before the affected family member’s age when they were diagnosed; for example, if your mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 45, have your first screening at age 35
• Frequency of repeating a colonoscopy will be determined by your doctor

Treatment Options

Colorectal cancer is usually first treated with surgery, which can often be done with a minimally invasive procedure such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery. After surgery, other treatments such as immunotherapy may be needed. Rectal cancer may be treated with chemotherapy and radiation before surgery.