Colon Cancer Treatment From New Jersey’s Leading Providers
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men and women. It is a disease of the large intestine. Rectal cancer is cancer that affects the last few inches of the colon. Together, these are referred to as colorectal cancers.
Most cases of colorectal cancer begin with noncancerous groups of cells known as polyps, which can develop into colon cancers. Colon cancer screening may result in earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.
State-of-the-Art Colon Cancer Screening and Treatment
RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meets the highest standards in colon cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer access to the full spectrum of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and advanced colon cancer treatment options.
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Colon cancer screening may enable doctors to diagnose various colon cancers such as adenocarcinoma,
carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and colorectal lymphoma
in their early stages. Screening and diagnostic testing may include some
or all of the following:
- Physical examinations
- Blood tests
- Imaging
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Double-contrast barium enema
- CT colonography
- Colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screenings
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Colon cancer treatment may include one or more of the following treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Ablation and embolization
- Surgery
- Clinical trials
New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists
Our integrated cancer care model includes New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, including:
- Nationally and internationally recognized surgical oncologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists
- Advanced practice nurses and certified technicians with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care
- Nurse navigators
- Other support professionals
To find a gastrointestinal cancer specialist at RWJBarnabas Health, use the button above or call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
Colon Cancer Screening Appointment Request
Colon cancer is beatable and treatable, but only if caught early. Through proper colon cancer screening, a gastroenterologist can find and remove polyps hidden in the colon before they become cancerous.
Call us at 973-200-7844 so we can assist you in finding a doctor to discuss different types of colon cancer screenings, or request an appointment using the button below. Making an appointment with a doctor could save your life.
Request a Colon Cancer Screening Appointment
Learn More About Colon Cancer
- Colon cancer causes and diagnosis. Knowing what to expect regarding colon cancer diagnostic measures can make you feel informed and confident, making the diagnostic process less intimidating. Certain tests may be used to help your physician make an accurate diagnosis and classify or stage cancer. Once the cancer is staged, effective treatment options can be selected.
- Colon cancer symptoms. Colorectal cancer symptoms may cause gastrointestinal tract bleeding which can lead to abnormal blood tests or blood disorders, like anemia. In some cases, an abnormal blood test is the first sign of colorectal cancer. In other cases, it may be similar to symptoms of common gastrointestinal diseases. Nevertheless, it is important to be able to recognize symptoms as soon as they present. Your physician will be able to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and rule out or diagnose colorectal cancer.
- Colon cancer prevention and screening. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin with noncancerous groups of cells known as polyps. Over time, polyps can develop into colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening is used to find suspicious polyps, colorectal cancer, or both. Screening consists of several tests, including imaging tests and tests to find hidden blood in the stool. Finding colorectal cancer in its early stages makes it easier to treat — measures can be taken to prevent the disease from becoming worse or spreading.
- Colon cancer treatment. Patients with colon cancer have a variety of treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, ablation and embolization, and supportive care. Your personal preferences are always carefully considered by our experienced medical team when creating your treatment plan. You may also have the option of trying a new treatment option through participation in a clinical trial, if available.
- Colon cancer clinical trials. Clinical trials are instrumental in shaping and optimizing colon cancer treatment plans for the future. As proponents of the latest technologies, RWJBarnabas Health uses clinical trials whenever possible. They may include testing for new drugs, short and long-term side effects, or ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Colon Cancer Clinical Trials
Innovative Colon Cancer Clinical Trials Close to Home
Clinical trials are research studies that are aimed at evaluating a new treatment option. Through clinical trials, physicians find new ways to improve treatment and the quality of life for patients.
Knowing everything you can about clinical trials can help you decide if you would like to participate in one. The provided information addresses questions and concerns that you might have. Additionally, having a conversation with your physician about the pros and cons of a trial helps you weigh your options.
Why Are Colon Cancer Clinical Trials important?
Colon cancer clinical trials help develop the best evidence for future treatments. They seek to move the field of gastroenterology forward by transforming the way we treat colon cancer. In many cases, colon cancer clinical trials are used to create a new, better standard of care treatment option.
What Are the Different Types of Clinical Trials?
There are different types of clinical trials:
- Clinical trials for new treatments. New drugs or combinations of drugs, surgeries, ways of administering radiation therapy, and behavioral changes.
- Clinical trials for side effects and symptoms. New ways to reduce or help patients cope with unpleasant side effects of treatments.
- Clinical trials for long-term side effects. New ways to prevent and treat late developing side effects of treatments.
- Clinical trials to prevent and look for cancer. New ways to prevent cancer, reduce cancer risk, or diagnose cancer early.
What Are the Different Phases of Clinical Trials?
There are four phases of clinical trials. Each phase answers different research questions:
- Phase 1. Seeks to find a safe dosage, decide how new treatments should be given, and observe how new treatments affect patients.
- Phase 2. Seeks to determine the effect of treatment on specific types of cancer.
- Phase 3. Used to compare new treatments with standard treatments, potentially resulting in new standards for care.
- Phase 4. Seeks to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of a new treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Colon Cancer Clinical Trials?
There are eligibility criteria for each colon cancer clinical trial, and criteria vary amongst trials. Criteria may include:
- Cancer type
- Cancer stage
- Previous treatment
- Other health conditions
- Results of diagnostic tests
Patients collaborate with their physicians to determine if they meet the criteria requirements.
What Is Informed Consent?
Informed consent is an important part of clinical trials. It gives you all the important trial details and puts you in a position to make an informed and educated decision.
During informed consent, a physician will:
- State the purpose and goal of the clinical trial
- Describe all of your treatment options
- Explain all that is required of you to participate in the clinical trial (visit frequency, associated tests, treatment schedules, costs)
- List all of the risks associated with the trial
Finding a Colon Cancer Clinical Trial
As a leader in colon cancer treatment in New Jersey, we provide access to innovative clinical trials for our patients with colon cancer. Our oncologists work closely with scientists and researchers to bring you cutting-edge therapies close to home.
We are committed to providing the most promising treatments for colon cancer. Patients enrolled in clinical trials receive groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of colon cancer care. For patients with unresponsive colon cancers, clinical trials offer additional treatment options to control the spread of the disease, eliminate cancer and improve the quality of life.