Colon & Rectal Cancer

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

Colorectal cancer is common -- more than 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Though common, these cancers can be aggressive and difficult for patients and families to talk about.

You deserve compassion, comfort, and care from specialists who understand what you’re going through. Henry Ford will 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.

Why should I choose Henry Ford for colorectal cancer treatment?

Our colorectal cancer specialists design treatments around you -- your needs, overall health, age, lifestyle, and type of cancer.

You will benefit from our team approach to colorectal cancer care, including:

• Dedicated nurse navigators: They help you schedule appointments and manage your care.
• Experienced doctors: All of our colorectal cancer physicians are board certified, and our surgeons are fellowship trained in colorectal surgery. Our team also treats patients referred from many other cancer centers.
• Ostomy support: Our Ostomy Clinic includes counseling before and after surgery, as well as follow-up care. We’ll support you as you learn to manage your temporary or permanent ostomy.
• Specialized tumor board: Our specialists in surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, nursing, and other disciplines work together to evaluate each patient’s case and treatment options.

Our specialists have extensive training in minimally invasive procedures. Patients come to Henry Ford from all over the region for our precise diagnosis, access to clinical trials, and advanced treatments.

It’s easy to find care close to home. The doctors and nurses at each of our locations work from one care plan. You can rest assured that we’re all on the same page.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other digestive diseases, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor to identify the cause:

• Abdominal (belly) pain or cramping
• Diarrhea, constipation, or narrow the stool
• Persistent pressure or feeling the need to have a bowel movement
• Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or bloody stool
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

How do you diagnose colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer diagnosis begins with a physical exam or blood test, as well as a colonoscopy or another diagnostic test, to look for signs of colorectal cancer. Your doctor will order a biopsy (analysis of a tissue sample) to determine if you have colorectal cancer. We may also need other testing, such as X-rays or CT scans.

Your doctor will use your test results to determine the stage of your cancer -- how advanced it is and whether it has spread. The doctor will base the treatment on the stage and location of your cancer. Your cancer team will walk you through what to expect at every step along the way.

What colorectal cancer treatment options are available?

Our specialists are the most experienced team in Michigan. We offer:

• Minimally invasive surgery: Our surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive surgery, including transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).
• Radiation oncology: Our specialists use the most advanced radiation technology to treat colorectal cancer, including stereotactic body radiation (SBRT).
• Chemotherapy and medical oncology
• Cancer genetics: Genetic testing helps us understand what causes inherited colorectal cancers.
• Clinical trials: Emerging colorectal cancer treatments are available through clinical trials.