Ohio State’s Colorectal Cancer Center setting new standard for timely, innovative care
Ohio State’s colorectal cancer experts are raising the bar for treatment and support at the area’s first center dedicated to tailored, comprehensive care for every patient.
Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancers) is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.
“Colorectal cancer is a collection of abnormal cells that arise within the colon and rectum in the large intestine,” says Matthew Kalady, MD, the director of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “Those abnormal cells can turn into small things called polyps or abnormal growths, and then those growths can change even more, to the point where they become cancer.”
Click to learn more about colon and rectal cancers, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at the OSUCCC – James.
Over the years, researchers like Kalady and his OSUCCC – James colleagues have made great strides in colorectal cancer treatment, leading to increased survival rates and improved quality of life for patients.
“Colorectal cancer can be very curable,” says Samuel Akinyeye, MD, an OSUCCC – James gastroenterologist. “The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer has increased from 50 percent in the 1970s to 65 percent today.”
To raise the bar even higher, Ohio State oncology leaders have launched the OSUCCC – James’ Colorectal Cancer Center to consolidate the world-class care and support available to patients in the Buckeye State.
“Building a center starts with a vision, and our vision here at The James was to provide quality care for the people of Ohio,” Kalady says. “That means they get timely care, including safe, effective top-quality treatments.”
Click here to learn all about The James' Colorectal Cancer Center.
The center exemplifies the OSUCCC – James’ commitment to multidisciplinary cancer care, bringing together a team of experts to address the unique, wide-ranging needs of patients and their families.
“Everything revolves around the patient. Treatment involves colorectal surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, genetic counselors and surgical oncologists for metastatic disease,” Kalady says. “We meet closely with what we call a tumor board to discuss all types of cases to make sure that we're doing the right things, and some of the unique things, that might be in each tumor. Everyone's brought together.”
Timely, high-quality treatment can be a vital component of successful care for colorectal cancer. As is the case with most cancers, though, the best plan is to incorporate prevention practices into your daily routine to lower the chances of developing the condition at all.
“You want to make sure that you're eating a mostly plant-based diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and maybe some lean proteins such as chicken and fish,” Akinyeye says. “You also want to exercise regularly and talk with your relatives, because if you have a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, you might need to get screened for colorectal cancer before the recommended age of 45.”
For those who are diagnosed, the OSUCCC – James Colorectal Cancer Center team is ready to take immediate action, working with patients and colleagues to craft personalized plans that include the latest techniques and technologies to provide the best chances of successful outcomes.
“There’s a seamless transition between each aspect of patient care — through the multidisciplinary center where everyone's in the same physical space, and the tumor boards where we all sit together in a room and go through all the cases,” Kalady says. “Based on that we develop treatment plans for each patient, which might include new clinical trials. Having all those minds and perspectives together working for the same goal is really, really important.”
Click here to learn more about gastrointestinal cancer care and research at the OSUCCC – James.