If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colon cancer, you may be overwhelmed with choices regarding care. As one of the leading providers of colon cancer care in central Ohio, experts at the OSUCCC – James will help you understand diagnosis and treatment options.
Using a multidisciplinary approach, our team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other specialists will create a comprehensive treatment plan. As central Ohio’s only dedicated colorectal cancer center, U.S. News & World Report ranks Ohio State among the best hospitals in the nation for gastroenterology care and gastrointestinal surgery, including “High Performing” in colon cancer surgery.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, begins in the colon, which is part of the body’s digestive system. The colon’s main function is to absorb waste from the small bowel. Waste from the stomach passes into the bowel and then moves into the colon, which is part of the large intestine. The intestine is a long, muscular tube that processes and passes waste from the colon to the rectum and then out of the body.
Usually, colon cancer starts when a polyp, a small mass of cells, grows out of control. They can occur anywhere in the large intestine. Colon polyps aren’t always cancerous (malignant), but over time, they can turn into cancer. These polyps are often found during routine colonoscopies. Doctors will often remove them during a colonoscopy so they don’t turn into cancer, if it’s safe to do so.
If a cancerous polyp forms along the long portion of the large intestine (including the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon or sigmoid colon), it will be classified as colon or colorectal cancer. If a cancerous polyp forms elsewhere, such as in the rectum, which is the last few inches of the large intestine that leads into the anus, this is rectal cancer. However, anal cancer, which occurs in the anus where stool leaves the body, is different; it’s often linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and, therefore, may be treated differently.
Colon cancer symptoms
Not everyone with colon cancer will have symptoms. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have colon cancer, but if you have symptoms, you should talk to your doctor to rule out a cause.
Some symptoms of colon cancer may include:
- A change in bowel habits, including more or less frequent bowel movements
- Blood (either bright red, very dark or black) in the stool
- Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Feeling excessively tired
- Vomiting
What causes colon cancer?
Colon cancer occurs when normal, healthy cells become abnormal. Healthy cells tend to grow, die and replicate at a normal rate within the colon. Cells do this routinely in our bodies due to the DNA or “instructions” that live inside them. Over time, these cells can start to change and not follow the instructions. These cells become abnormal.
In turn, the abnormal cells grow out of control and can form a mass, such as a polyp, that if left untreated, can become cancerous. There are different reasons this is thought to happen, including some risk factors.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for colon cancer treatment?
At the OSUCCC – James, we operate the only dedicated Colorectal Cancer Center in central Ohio. Our multidisciplinary approach to treating colon cancer includes creating a customized treatment plan specifically for you. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach; every decision made regarding care will be made with you in mind.
Less invasive surgery
Our colorectal surgeons use the latest in innovative techniques to minimize the physical effects of colon cancer surgery so you can get back to daily living quicker. Our robotic and laparoscopic surgical methods both use smaller incisions so you recover faster, go home sooner, return to daily living and reduce the likelihood of infection. Our colon cancer surgery program at the OSUCCC – James has been nationally ranked and recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the quality of care provided.
Access to colon cancer clinical trials
As a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, the OSUCCC – James conducts phase I, phase II and phase III clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. Our team of researchers is leading the way to find new colon cancer treatments in central Ohio.
A multidisciplinary approach
At the OSUCCC – James, we use a multidisciplinary approach to treating colon cancer. This means you aren’t working with one doctor, but rather a team of specialists and subspecialists who get to know your specific needs. You’re an individual and your treatment will be customized based on the expertise of that team. Colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists will collaborate and create a plan for your treatment.
If you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer and would like to see one of our specialists, or you would like a second opinion, please call The James Line to schedule an appointment at 800-293-5066.
Related resources
Prevention and Risk Factors
Colon Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Colon Cancer Stages
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Types of Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer Treatment