Successful colorectal cancer care is a team effort, with specialists working together to tailor treatment plans based on each patient’s unique diagnosis. At Ohio State, that comprehensive approach comes together at The James Colorectal Cancer Center, the only dedicated program of its kind in the state, and one of only a few in the nation. “The best treatment for colorectal cancer relies on expertise from multiple specialties such as surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology,” says Matt Kalady, MD, the director of The James Colorectal Cancer Center. “We bring these teams, and other experts, together to assure that we’re delivering coordinated, evidence-based care to all our patients.” Click here to learn all about The James Colorectal Cancer Center. Colorectal cancers are among the most frequently-diagnosed types of cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the nation “Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most preventable and curable with appropriate screening and interventions,” Kalady says. “It’s critical to have dedicated experts and teams who treat colorectal cancer to achieve the best outcomes.” Kalady and his Ohio State team developed the center with that team approach in mind, bringing colorectal cancer experts from multiple disciplines together to discuss each diagnosis while working with patients to develop personalized care plans. Depending on the patient, care plans can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy. “Each patient is an individual who may require different treatments,” Kalady says. “Having a dedicated team of specialty physicians review each case allows for the most effective treatments with the least amount of side effects.” As part of a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kalady and his colleagues also conduct research to help develop the next generation of colorectal cancer therapies, while support specialists provide patients and families with services focused on wellness and emotional support before, during and after treatment. “We truly believe in a multifaceted approach to colorectal cancer patients,” Kalady says. “We have teams of specialized experts who have experience and knowledge of the most effective treatments, as well as the next generation of care being studied in clinical trials.” Click to learn more about colon and rectal cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University.