Did you know that one in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer, also known as large intestinal cancer, at some point in their life? There’s good news, however: there are now more than 1 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S., largely thanks to an increase in screenings and advanced treatment options.
At NGMC our award-winning team of physicians and other professionals will help you navigate the many choices available to you for colon cancer treatment and develop a plan that best meets your unique disease and situation.
From surgery to nutrition support and pastoral care, our goal is to help you live life as fully as possible throughout your treatment and in your life as a cancer survivor. We also offer a Patient Navigation Program to help guide you through your cancer journey. NGMC’s survival and screening rates continue to beat national benchmarks.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal or bowel cancer describes any type of cancer that originates in the large intestines, also called the colon or the large bowel, or including the rectum and the anus. Colorectal cancer may spread to other areas in the body, but it will still be called colorectal cancer because it originated in that region.
Colorectal cancer might not cause symptoms right away, but if it does, it may cause one or more of these symptoms:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool, which may make the stool look dark
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
NGMC offers comprehensive colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic services, including colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy and double-contract barium enema.
Colorectal Cancer Care at NGMC
Minimally invasive colorectal surgery
NGMC’s experienced colorectal cancer surgeons offer leading cancer surgery treatments, including minimally invasive robotic surgery. Surgery is typically the primary therapy for colorectal cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation for colorectal cancer
If colon cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, or other organs in the body, patients may receive chemotherapy to reduce tumor size, alleviate pain and prolong life. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before or following surgery. You may receive your chemotherapy treatments in your physician’s office or in the hospital’s chemotherapy infusion suites.
Radiation is generally used to reduce tumors affecting the rectum. Our team offers some of the most advanced radiation therapy options.
Clinical trials for colorectal cancer
Northeast Georgia Medical Center actively participates in clinical trials to make the latest treatments available to our patients and to advance the treatment options available to patients around the world who are fighting colorectal cancer.
Support services for colorectal cancer patients
Northeast Georgia Medical Center provides other valuable resources to guide you through your cancer care and to answer questions after you have completed your treatment for colorectal cancer.
Contact Us Today
For more information about Cancer Services available at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, call 770-219-8815.
Myths and Facts about Colorectal Health:
Listen to our expert physician panel discuss the most common myths and facts regarding colorectal health.