Colon Cancer
If you have a suspicious polyp or tumor, or have been diagnosed with colon cancer, the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program offers leading-edge care, close to home.
Colorectal cancer is among the most common forms of cancer in the United States, with cases especially on the rise among young people. If you have a suspicious polyp or tumor, or have been diagnosed with colon, rectal, or anal cancer, the team at the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program offers the most advanced cancer care—right here in South Jersey.
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer often doesn’t show signs or symptoms until it’s reached a more advanced stage. You should talk with your doctor if you're experiencing:
- A change in your bowel habits, such as frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis at Virtua
Colon polyps are precancerous growths that grow slowly (over many years) and can become cancerous tumors.
A colonoscopy is the best way to examine the entire colon for signs of cancer and remove polyps.
We strongly recommend scheduling a colonoscopy if you:
- Are age 45 and older
- Have a family history of cancer, especially colorectal cancer
- Experience frequent diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool
Colorectal Cancer Treatment at Virtua
Virtua’s comprehensive program includes a range of specialized services, including advanced procedures, state-of-the-art cancer treatments, and personalized cancer support.
Virtua’s colorectal experts are part of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, offering you the combined strength of two renowned health care leaders. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates on each patient’s care plan. Virtua’s dedicated colorectal surgeons are leaders in advanced robotic and minimally invasive procedures.
Colorectal cancer treatments may include:
- Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted colorectal surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Access to clinical trials
- Genetic testing and counseling
You also have access to a number of cancer support services to ease your physical and emotional stress.
Virtua Colorectal Cancer Specialists
Experts at the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program offer the treatments you need and the support you deserve.
Virtua Colorectal Cancer Care Locations
Virtua Colorectal Surgeons provide outstanding care close to home in South Jersey.
The Virtua Difference for Colorectal Cancer Care
Robotic-assisted surgery
One of the biggest benefits of robotic-assisted colorectal cancer surgery is that it causes less trauma to the body by using smaller incisions. It promotes faster healing, less pain, reduced blood loss, less scarring, and a lower risk of infections. Most patients safely return home after a three-day hospital stay without narcotic pain medications, and can manage pain using over-the-counter medications.
Robotic-assisted surgery
One of the biggest benefits of robotic-assisted colorectal cancer surgery is that it causes less trauma to the body by using smaller incisions. It promotes faster healing, less pain, reduced blood loss, less scarring, and a lower risk of infections. Most patients safely return home after a three-day hospital stay without narcotic pain medications, and can manage pain using over-the-counter medications.
Faster recovery
During hospitalization for colorectal cancer surgery, your team will follow Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to promote faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications. ERAS protocols include:
- Encouraging mobility as soon as you can get out of bed
- Avoiding narcotic medications for pain management
- Providing the best nutrition as soon as you can eat
Faster recovery
During hospitalization for colorectal cancer surgery, your team will follow Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to promote faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications. ERAS protocols include:
- Encouraging mobility as soon as you can get out of bed
- Avoiding narcotic medications for pain management
- Providing the best nutrition as soon as you can eat
Nurse navigation
When you choose Virtua for colorectal cancer care, you’re matched with a dedicated oncology nurse navigator who guides you through all aspects of cancer treatment. Your navigator is a resource for any questions or needs during your cancer journey. This includes:
- Helping you understand your diagnosis and care plan
- Streamlining communication between you and your doctors
- Providing education for you and your loved ones
- Helping remove barriers to care
- Expediting appointments
- Connecting you to cancer support services
Nurse navigation
When you choose Virtua for colorectal cancer care, you’re matched with a dedicated oncology nurse navigator who guides you through all aspects of cancer treatment. Your navigator is a resource for any questions or needs during your cancer journey. This includes:
- Helping you understand your diagnosis and care plan
- Streamlining communication between you and your doctors
- Providing education for you and your loved ones
- Helping remove barriers to care
- Expediting appointments
- Connecting you to cancer support services
Nationally recognized care
The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) for providing exceptional standards for rectal cancer program management, advanced clinical services, and quality improvement for patients.
Nationally recognized care
The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) for providing exceptional standards for rectal cancer program management, advanced clinical services, and quality improvement for patients.
Virtua Specialty Pharmacy
If you need a specialty medication as part of your cancer care, we can take care of your needs from start to finish. We work closely with your care team, your insurance provider, and anyone else involved with getting you the medications you need, when you need it – with free delivery straight to your door.
Virtua Specialty Pharmacy
If you need a specialty medication as part of your cancer care, we can take care of your needs from start to finish. We work closely with your care team, your insurance provider, and anyone else involved with getting you the medications you need, when you need it – with free delivery straight to your door.
Could you be at risk for colon cancer?
Our free five-minute risk assessment can help identify risks that may lead to colon cancer.