Colorectal Cancer Care

Early detection is your best defense against cancer. We understand the importance of being seen and want to do all we can to put your mind at ease.

That's why we offer convenient screening and diagnostic services such as colonoscopy. And should an abnormality be detected, you can count on us to provide the latest therapies and treatment options, including pill camera, colonography (64-slice high resolution), endoscopic rectal ultrasound for staging rectal cancers.

Risk Factors and Recommended Screenings

There are a number of factors that affect the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. They include:

Being 50 years of age or older
Having a personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer
Having a personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Having a family history of colorectal cancer or other digestive syndromes
Are African American or of Eastern European-Jewish descent
Have certain lifestyle factors - obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy drinking, or eating a diet high in red and processed meat

Because age is the primary risk factor for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that men and women 50 and over have the following screenings.

Annually:

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) - uses a simple take-home kit to determine if there is blood in the stool - a possible symptom of colorectal cancer
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) - also uses a take-home to determine the presence of blood

Every 5 Years:

Flexible sigmoidoscopy - uses a flexible, lighted tube to examine the lower part of the colon
Double-contrast barium enema - uses a chalky substance to partly fill the colon so that X-rays can be taken
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) - uses a CT scanner to take pictures of your colon; there is no internal examination

Every 10 Years:

Colonoscopy - uses a flexible tube with a camera on the end to examine the entire colon

As Determined by Your Physician:

Stool DNA (sDNA) test - uses a take-home kit to evaluate a stool sample for DNA changes

Treatment

Typical treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted biologic therapies. At The Center for Cancer Care, we not only have experts who specialize in treating this cancer, but also use state-of-the-art technology to maximize your therapy's effectiveness. In addition, we participate in clinical trials, which can give you access to new treatments.

Flexible Scheduling

Because we understand the importance of cancer screenings, we try to make appointments convenient. We offer flexible appointment times and swift scheduling. To make an appointment, call 773-665-3109 or request one online.

Call 877-RES-INFO (877-737-4636)
to get a referral or schedule an appointment.