Know Your Options for Colon Cancer Treatment in Central California

Colon cancer is a slow-growing cancer that starts in the lining of the colon (large intestine) as noncancerous polyps. The stage of your cancer (how far it has advanced) will usually guide your treatment options. Regular screening exams, including colonoscopy, help diagnose early stage colon cancer, which it is highly treatable.

At Dignity Health Central California hospitals, our goal of treating colon cancer is to cure or eliminate the cancer. Our options for treatments for colon cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. To learn more our personalized colon cancer treatment in Central California, Find a Doctor online to make an appointment with one of our caring experts.

Colon Cancer Treatment at Dignity Health Central California

Our expert oncologists offer several treatment options at our advanced hospitals and cancer centers.

Surgery

The primary treatment for all stages of colon cancer is surgery. In more advanced stages, an entire section of colon may need to be removed. Whereas, in earlier stages, only a small segment of the colon may need to be removed.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation treatments are used to shrink a tumor before surgery and destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. Doctors may use it to treat tumors that have metastasized (spread), in cases where surgery is not an option, or to help relieve symptoms, such as pain or rectal bleeding.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation. Like radiation, chemotherapy can shrink tumors before surgery, kill cancer cells after surgery, relieve symptoms, and prolong the life of the patient.

Targeted Cancer Therapy

Targeted therapies are medicines that use specific markers present only on cancer cells to identify and kill those cells. For advanced colon cancer, doctors may combine targeted therapies with chemotherapy. In some cases, targeted therapies work when standard chemotherapy alone does not.

Considering Your Treatment Options

Doctors at Dignity Health Central California tailor colon cancer treatment to fit your specific needs. The factors that guide your care include the stage of your cancer, how well you are likely to respond to treatment, and your overall health. Talk with your doctor the risks, benefits, side effects, and goals of your treatment options. Together, you can decide which plan is best for you.

Dignity Health Central California hospitals provide complete cancer care, including colon cancer treatment, in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.