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Colorectal Cancer

Preventable, treatable and beatable

Colorectal cancer -- cancer that develops in the colon or rectum -- is the third most common cancer affecting men and women in the United States. But colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable! These cancers often begin as a growth of tissue, or polyp, in the lower part of the digestive or gastrointestinal system. Over many years these polyps can slowly change into cancer. Screening makes it possible to find these polyps and remove them before they become cancerous.

The doctors and staff at Legacy Health provide comprehensive, coordinated and expert care for patients with colon, rectal and anal cancers. Our full range of care includes screening, diagnosis, treatment, support and survivorship services.

 

  • Patient testimonial

    "As brilliant as my doctors were, they are also down-to-earth and they treat you like an individual person."

    - Julie M., colon cancer survivor

    julie montas

Award-winning care

Legacy ranks among the nation's top cancer programs and has received multiple quality awards including the 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons' Commission (ACS) on Cancer. The ACS ranks Legacy's cancer program as one of the best in the nation. See how we compare with our peers.

Treatment options

Specific treatment for a cancer of the colon or rectum is based on a number of factors (such as location and type). In general, there are three treatment approaches:

  • Surgery -- The most common first treatment for colon cancer, and one which helps to determine the stage (extent) of the cancer as well. Many colorectal cancer patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery. 
  • Chemotherapy -- The use of chemotherapy drugs is dependent on the type and stage of a patient's cancer as well as the overall health of the patient. The decision for chemotherapy in colon cancer is usually made after surgery, when the final stage of the cancer is known. For rectal cancer, chemotherapy is often given along with radiation treatment, before surgery to remove the tumor. Anal cancer is usually treated only with chemotherapy and radiation.
  • Radiation therapy -- A possible option for the treatment of rectal cancer, radiation therapy is often given in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy. This approach is also called radiation oncology. 

If the cancer has spread (metastasized) beyond the colon or rectum, treatment will depend on the location of the tumors and the patient's prior treatment.

For more specific information about treatment, visit the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

Physician case review

Our multidisciplinary cancer care conferences review complex cases to provide an expert "second opinion" on diagnosis, pre-treatment evaluation, staging, treatment strategy and rehabilitation. The team includes medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, nurses, research coordinators and other cancer care staff.

You're not alone

Living with a diagnosis of cancer and its treatment can have a profound effect on your functional, emotional, social and spiritual needs. That's why we offer a wide range of support services to help you and your family.

Nurse navigators

Our personalized support services begin with our nurse navigators. They will help you throughout your treatment, from knowing what to expect to understanding your medications and helping you manage symptoms and treatment side effects. Contact a nurse navigator.

Locations and Legacy Cancer Institute providers

Legacy Center for Colorectal Cancer at Good Samaritan
Legacy Medical Group - Surgical Oncology
Legacy Meridian Park
Legacy Medical Group-Gastroenterology
Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center
Legacy Cancer Healing Center