Colon Cancer Program

Michigan’s most advanced care for colon and rectal cancers.

Colorectal cancer is a frequent diagnosis — more than 150,000 new cases are identified in the U.S. each year. Though common, these cancers of the colon or rectum can be aggressive and difficult for patients and families to talk about.

You deserve compassionate care from specialists who understand what you’re going through. At Henry Ford, we make your experience as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to provide the support, education and treatment you need to recover and get back to your life.

The Henry Ford difference

Patients come to Henry Ford from across the region for our precise diagnosis and advanced treatments. Our team treats patients referred from many other cancer centers.
While we offer several locations for colorectal cancer care, our entire team of experts and nurses work together to design treatments around you – the specific type of cancer you have, as well as your needs, overall health, age and lifestyle. No matter which of our many convenient locations you visit throughout Michigan, you’ll find the same great care:

• Screening options for early detection: When colon cancer is caught early, it’s highly treatable. Our Open Access Colonoscopy program lets you schedule a colonoscopy without a prior appointment. We also offer alternative colorectal cancer screening tests.
• Experienced doctors: Our colorectal cancer specialists form the most experienced team in Michigan. All of our colorectal cancer physicians are board-certified, and our surgeons are fellowship-trained in colorectal surgery.
• Colon and rectal tumor boards: Dedicated colon and rectal tumor boards meet weekly to discuss each patient’s case. You receive coordinated input from colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists and other colorectal specialists.
• Latest treatments: Our specialists have extensive training in minimally invasive procedures that promote faster healing and recovery. Our advanced radiation technology targets cancer more precisely and includes stereotactic body radiation (SBRT). This noninvasive radiation treatment precisely targets tumors and spares health tissue. The Henry Ford team is also paving the way for new treatments with research on personalized gene therapy.
• Care for metastatic colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer that has spread to other areas of the body requires specialized care. We offer combination colorectal, lung and liver surgeries, as well as the newest drugs (immunotherapies and targeted therapies) for late-stage colon and rectal disease. These treatments can help many people with advanced cancer live longer.
• Dedicated nurse navigators: Our navigators help you schedule appointments and manage your care.
• Full support: We provide a full range of colorectal cancer support services, including a clinic for ostomy care. We help you adjust if you need a temporary or permanent ostomy.
• Clinical trials: We offer access to clinical trials that test new therapies not yet widely available.