Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

This year, about 147,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The disease affects men and women equally.

The colon extends from the end of the small intestine to the rectum. It consists of ascending, transverse and descending segments. Because colon cancer and rectal cancers have many features in common, they are sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancers usually start when polyp cells begin growing abnormally. As a cancer tumor grows, it can invade the deeper layers of the colon or rectal wall.

In time, cancer can grow beyond the colon or rectum and into nearby organs. It can spread to nearby lymph nodes. The cancer cells can also travel to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis. The earlier a cancer tumor is removed, the better the chance of preventing its spread.

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Physician Profile Video: Jeffrey Grondin, M.D. (Pulmonary & Critical Care)

Jeffrey Grondin, M.D. says the best part of his job is being able to change people’s lives, because when someone is struggling with a breathing issue, it can significantly impact their quality of life.

Oct 30, 2023
Patricia McCarthy, N.P. (Pulmonary & Critical Care)

Patricia McCarty’s, N.P., wide range of patient management experience enables her to connect with patients to understand the root causes of their condition and find solutions.

Oct 30, 2023
Check-up: The importance of screening for lung cancer (Jeffrey Grondin, MD)

Pulmonary and critical care specialist Jeffrey Grondin, MD, Corewell Health explains the importance of lung cancer screening for those at risk.

Jul 27, 2023
Check-up: Removing cancer with surgery (Nathan Piovesan, MD)

Cancer care can involve surgery done by a general surgeon to either remove cancer or to do diagnostic surgery to identify what a tumor is.

Mar 03, 2023
Check-up: Detect lung cancer early (Kenlyn Laureys, NP)

Nurse practitioner Kenlyn Laureys in the high-risk cancer program at Corewell Health explains that if you are identified as being at high risk for lung cancer your doctor can refer you to receive a lung cancer screening.

Mar 03, 2023
Check-up: Cutting out colon cancer with surgery (Benjamin Sopczynski, MD)

General surgeon Benjamin Sopczynski, MD, explains what a colectomy is and how it can be used to remove colon cancer. Minimally invasive surgery is used to make this procedure less invasive with quicker healing times.

Mar 03, 2023
Corewell Health - We Can

What can we do together? Can we beat the unbeatable? Can we achieve the unthinkable? Can we reach our health goals? And accomplish even more along the way? Can we live healthier, fuller, happier lives? With Corewell Health, we can.

Feb 16, 2023
Provider Video Profile: Kenlyn Laureys, NP (Oncology)

Nurse Practitioner Kenlyn Laureys cares for patients getting cancer infusion treatments in Niles, Michigan.

Sep 23, 2022
Breast Cancer: Nancy Pallas "3D approach to care"

At age 79, Dowagiac resident, Nancy Pallas, decided to opt for a 3D mammogram, which was able to detect a stage 1A tumor. Her care team quickly assembled to help her beat the cancer.

Sep 07, 2022
Prostate cancer: Martin Dixon "Put to the test"

Retired engineer Martin Dixon takes a matter of fact, analytical approach to life. So, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he faced his treatment with the same outlook.

Jul 22, 2022

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