You can expect a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals will oversee your treatment. Treatment options for colorectal cancers may involve a combination of procedures such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Each week your care team participates in a weekly Cancer Conference to review specific case and to ensure the latest evidence-based treatment practices are available to you.

Early screening is important. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States but highly treatable if found early. We recommend the following screening exams: colonoscopy every 10 years, a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years, or a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. 
The American Cancer Society recommends that anyone of average risk of colorectal cancer starts regular screenings at age 45, with a repeat screening every 10 years. To make an appointment for your screening, please call 714-734-6235.

Surgery is often the main treatment used to treat your cancer. In some cases, it may be used after chemotherapy, radiation or after both have been administered to shrink your tumor. Types of surgery we perform include:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Polypectomy
• Hemicolectomy, Partial Colectomy or Segmental Resection
• Total Colectomy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout your body that have spread from the original cancer site. Currently, there are more than 100 chemotherapy drugs used most frequently in various combinations and your oncology team will determine the right combination for you to increase the percentage of cancer cells destroyed while reducing your chance of resistance to any particular drug and toxicity to any one organ.

You may be concerned about side effects of chemotherapy. Many new drugs have been developed that lessen the side effects of chemotherapy and provide a much better quality of life during treatment. These drugs can help increase white and red cell blood counts, decrease nausea and vomiting and increase appetite. The side effects will differ with each patient, but most side effects are temporary and will go away once treatment has ended.

The Radiation Oncology Program at The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment is an integral part of our comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer program, providing advanced technology and innovative care. With three state-of-the-art Varian Linear Accelerators, three board-certified radiation oncologists, dedicated on-site physicists, dosimetrists, therapists and nurses, the Radiation Oncology Program delivers nearly 14,000 radiation treatments per year to both adults and the pediatric population.

Our specialists offer the latest radiation techniques and technology necessary to target tumors while minimizing exposure to normal tissue.

Providence St. Joseph Hospital is among Orange County's most active community hospitals that participate in clinical trials. Continued advances in cancer care and prevention are the direct result of participation in clinical trials. National evidence from a wide range of studies suggests that cancer patients diagnosed and treated in a setting of multi-specialty care and clinical research live longer and have a better quality of life.

New treatments and procedures are constantly being developed. We are proud to provide our patients with access to some of the latest trials, many of which are not available elsewhere. Please view our clinical trials to see current studies available at The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Your oncology team will assist you in determining which may be appropriate for your diagnosis.

Our team of rehabilitation experts have advanced training to provide specialized care for the unique needs for our patients. The Lymphedema Program is a leader in Southern California for manual lymph drainage, bandaging, compression, education and exercise.

Our therapists provide individualized treatment that includes:

• Pre-op, prehab and postoperative therapy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Program
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation
• Exercise, education and surgical site massage
• Cancer-related fatigue therapy
• Audiology consults for possible chemotherapy-related hearing impairment.

At the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, we believe in treating the whole person: body, mind and spirit. That's why, in addition to expert clinical care, we offer you and your family the resources you need to calm the mind, strengthen the spirit and concentrate on what matters most—healing.

Our Nurse Navigators provide patient-centered care while facilitating timely access. These medical professionals have the clinical expertise, advanced knowledge and skills to effectively coordinate the care of our patients, assist in overcoming barriers, and provide education and resources to promote informed decision making throughout all phases of the cancer care continuum.

We are equally dedicated to helping our community stay informed about prevention, screening, early detection, and the latest advances in cancer treatment, as well as providing support for those affected by a cancer diagnosis through support groups and community education.

To connect with our Colorectal Cancer Program Nurse Navigator, please call 714-734-6235.

Cancer Survivorship starts from the time of diagnosis and continues throughout your lifetime. Our Survivorship Navigator helps cancer survivors transition to life after active cancer treatment.

After completing cancer treatment, our Survivorship Nurse Navigator is available to discuss the following with you:

• Review of your personalized oncology treatment summary and follow-up care plan.
• Discussion about potential long-term effects after treatment
• Financial concerns
• Recommendations for a healthy lifestyle
• Referrals for follow-up care and a list of support resources.

To make an appointment with Survivorship Nurse Navigator, please call 714-734-6236.

Additional support services include:

• Dedicated nurse navigator
• Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing
• Cancer Nutrition Services
• Psychosocial Support
• Supportive and Palliative Care
• Survivorship Program
• Cancer Rehabilitation
• Clinical Research Trials
• Financial Counselor
• Cancer Wellness Program