Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined in the United States. That’s why, from diagnosis to treatment, you want the experts at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago as your partner in preventing and combating this disease.

Screening for Colon Cancer

The Section of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Rush is consistently named one of the top programs in the country by U.S.News & World Report. Our gastroenterologists are skilled in providing patients with access to colonoscopies to prevent colon and rectal cancer. Colon cancer can be prevented through regular screening and knowing your family history. For more information, see Preventing Colon Cancer.

Comprehensive Cancer Care

Additionally, Rush is home to one of the top comprehensive cancer programs, the Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Clinic for Gastrointestinal Cancers, which consists of multi-specialty group of highly trained physicians in medical and surgical specialties, including our nationally renowned colorectal surgeons, who provide patients with the latest diagnostic and treatment services for colorectal cancer. 

Advanced Surgical Techniques

The surgical colorectal team at Rush offers the most advanced techniques available for the treatment of colon and rectal cancer, including procedures designed to preserve the anus and sphincter muscle so patients with rectal cancer do not need a permanent colostomy. In fact, Rush is one the few hospitals in the nation to perform transanal endoscopic microsurgery, an operation to removes cancers that are beyond the reach of conventional instrumentation. For more information about the surgical procedures available, please visit the Section for Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Genetic Testing for Hereditary Colon Cancers

And when it comes to early detection, Rush is a pioneer in genetic counseling. By working closely with patients, colorectal cancer specialists at Rush gather family history data that will help identify family members at high risk for and ultimately prevent the onset of colorectal cancer.  For more information, see Genetic Testing and Counseling for Colon Cancer. 

Rush is also affiliated with the Sandra Rosenberg Registry for Hereditary and Familial Colon Cancer, the only one of its kind in Illinois. The purpose of the Registry is to enhance medical care for patients with a hereditary (passed from parents to children) or familial colorectal cancer syndrome by identifying family members at risk for inheriting the syndrome and providing recommendations for appropriate testing strategies. Additionally, the Registry works to educate patients, families, and their physicians about the unique aspects of hereditary and familial colorectal cancer and to conduct research which has important implications in the understanding and management of these conditions.

Last updated 2/09