Why Choose Stanford Medicine?
Colon Cancer Care at Stanford Health Care
The colorectal cancer care process can feel scary and overwhelming at times. You and your family will likely have many questions as you prepare for your first visit to Stanford Health Care. This overview helps you understand what to expect along your care journey.
You can rely on our team of gastrointestinal (GI) specialists to treat colorectal cancer with expertise and compassion. At Stanford Health Care, you will find advanced treatment options that are not widely available. Our surgeons perform the most GI cancer procedures in Northern California and have treated even the most complex tumors.
What You Need to Know to Start Treatment
The following information will help answer your questions as you begin treatment at Stanford Health Care:
Connect to Care
Let us help find personalized care options for you and your family.
Your Circle of Care
A cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical wellbeing. It can disrupt your family life, work, social relationships, and your very sense of security. Our signature Circle of Care approach is here to guide you and your caregivers. We listen carefully to understand your unique situation and then we bring together experts including doctors, specialists, nurses, and care coordinators to create a plan just for you. With a team on your side and a wide range of support services, you receive a complete, coordinated experience. Learn what to expect and see how we put you at the center of care.
Access That Empowers
We make access to care as simple as possible. We anticipate what you need and provide support when you need it. Our network of locations puts our services within your reach. User-friendly digital health tools help you stay connected with your care team. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We help make sense of the details, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Innovation Through
Clinical Research
Some of Silicon Valley’s brightest scientific minds are at the Stanford Cancer Institute and the Stanford Medicine Cancer Center. Medical discoveries and clinical advances happen here. Our physicians and scientists work every day to improve cancer prevention, detection, and care. We offer advanced diagnostics, the latest treatment technologies and techniques, and pioneering therapies in development through clinical trials. Let us put innovation to work for you.
We know that a colorectal cancer diagnosis can completely disrupt your life. We provide you with support and a care team that stays with you from diagnosis to treatment. Your team listens to your needs to develop a plan for your unique situation.
Your Doctors
These surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the large intestine and rectum. Cancer surgeons perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue to evaluate for the presence of cancer.
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Medical oncologists (cancer doctors) have specialized training in diagnosing and treating GI cancer using medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
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Radiation oncologists have specialized training in using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer or prevent its spread while protecting healthy tissue.
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Our skilled advanced practice providers (APPs) specialize in diagnosing and treating GI cancers. They see patients independently and occasionally alongside your doctor. APPs can give exams, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
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The genetic counselors in the Cancer Genetics Program have special training in the science of cancer genetics. They serve as your main point of contact during your initial consultation and follow-up visit. They assess family histories and test results and help you make decisions.
»Your Extended Care Team
Nurses and nurse coordinators are registered nurses (RNs) who coordinate your care with your GI cancer team. They guide you from your first contact through follow-up care and help you find counseling, financial, and other support services.
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistants: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinators: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and guide you during your GI cancer care.
- Patient Access Representatives: Patient access representatives can answer all your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Doctors at Stanford Medicine Cancer Center participate in research efforts to advance the understanding of GI cancers and their treatment. Research coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials.
Support Services
Your wellness is our top priority. As part of your care, we design a wellness plan to support you and your family before, during, and after treatment.
We offer a wide array of support services to help you to feel your best. Contact our Cancer Care Services for your personal support plan.
Nutrition
Discover nutrition services designed specifically for coping with cancer
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Health Library
Access free, reliable information about cancer and other health topics
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Cancer Care Services
Connect you and your loved ones to personalized, supportive services before, during and after your treatment.
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Clinical Trials for Colon Cancer
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials through the Stanford Cancer Institute.
Open trials refer to studies that are currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling additional patients.
Our Clinics
You can access compassionate care and advanced treatments for colorectal cancer at a Stanford Health Care location near you. We always accept new patients, and we take many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal.
