Colorectal cancer
When polyps in the lower digestive tract (the colon and rectum) become cancerous. this is called colorectal cancer. It is often treated with chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Colonoscopy screenings identify potential polyps and help you get treated sooner and more effectively.
Colorectal cancer clinics across the Wasatch Front
Our goal is to ensure you receive the care that is right for you to feel continuously supported throughout your journey.
The expert colorectal surgeons at MountainStar Healthcare hospitals provide advanced care for the diagnosis and treatment of rectal and colon cancers, commonly referred to as colorectal cancer. Our specialized team offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Only nationally accredited program in the state for rectal cancer
St. Mark’s Hospital is the first and only hospital in Utah to receive the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) from the American College of Surgeons, raising the level of care for our rectal cancer patients.
To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards addressing program management, clinical services, and quality improvement for patients. Centers are required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.
Additionally, the program met standards addressing the clinical services that the rectal cancer program provides, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA testing), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) imaging for cancer staging, which allow patients to start treatment within a defined timeframe. Rectal cancer programs accredited by the NAPRC undergo a site visit every three years and are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
This accreditation is the gold standard of care for rectal cancer and we are honored to be the first in the state to earn this achievement.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine, the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is a cancer of the last several inches of the colon. These cancers both have similar features, so they are often grouped together and referred to as colorectal cancer. Most cases of colorectal cancer start as noncancerous growths referred to as polyps. Some of these polyps, over time, may become cancerous if not treated early.
Polyps are often small and do not always cause symptoms. Because of this, we recommend regular screening tests to help detect colorectal cancer early.
Screening for colorectal cancer
We encourage all patients to begin regular screenings for colorectal cancer at 50 years old. Screenings are important to ensure your body stays healthy and to detect any concerning developments, which may include early signs of cancer.
The most common way to screen for colorectal cancer is through a colonoscopy. The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera into the rectum. This allows doctors to gain a detailed view of the colon and catch any signs of cancer early. A colonoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes and patients are typically provided a moderate sedative.
Additional screenings for colorectal cancer include:
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Virtual colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Talk to your doctor about more frequent testing if you have any of these colorectal cancer risk factors:
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Being overweight or obese
- Diets high in red meat and low in produce
- Drinking more than one drink a day (women) or two drinks a day (men)
- Getting less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
Patients may not always show signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, or they may mimic symptoms of common gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
However, colorectal cancer symptoms can include:
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
- Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Frequent gas pains or cramps or frequently feeling full or bloated
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Weight loss with no known reason
Treatment options for colorectal cancer
We offer comprehensive colorectal cancer treatment through our oncology program. Our team of doctors, nurses, surgeons and healthcare professionals will work together to create an individualized treatment plan to fit your unique needs.
This may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Medications
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery