Colorectal Cancer Care at Valley Health
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Both men and women are at risk. While some risk factors cannot be changed, healthy habits can help lower your chances of developing this disease.
National Accreditation for Rectal Cancer Care
Valley Health Cancer Center at Winchester Medical Center was the first in our region to earn accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. Accredited since 2021, our program uses a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive care for patients with rectal cancer.
Why Choose Valley Health?
- Accredited rectal cancer program
- Board-certified specialists
- Advanced technology and minimally invasive options
- Comprehensive support for patients and families
We’re here to help
Schedule a new patient appointment with Valley Health Gastroenterology to explore screening options, or contact Valley Health Surgical Oncology for treatment options.
Signs and Symptoms
Contact your primary care provider if you notice:
- Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
- Blood in your stool or dark stools
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that does not go away
Screening and Early Detection
Colorectal cancer can affect anyone, but it is most often diagnosed in adults over age 50. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening at age 45 for those at average risk. People at higher risk may need to be screened earlier.
Common Screening Options
- Colonoscopy: The most recommended test. It allows doctors to view the colon and remove polyps during the procedure.
- Fecal tests: Check for blood or DNA in stool samples.
- Virtual colonoscopy: Uses imaging technology to examine the colon.
Screening colonoscopies are available at most Valley Health hospitals and at the Endoscopy Center at Winchester Medical Center. Gastroenterologists and general surgeons perform these procedures.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If cancer is detected, your care team will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Options may include:
- Surgery: At Winchester Medical Center, we offer advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robot-assisted procedures.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation is often used before rectal cancer surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. It may be combined with chemotherapy. Radiation is rarely used for colon cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are given through an IV and may be used before or after surgery.
Reduce Your Risk
Lifestyle choices play an important role in prevention. You can lower your risk by:
- Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
Factors that increase risk include:
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Eating red or processed meats
- A high-fat, low-fiber diet
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Family or personal history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
