Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff is a trusted partner in returning patients with cancer to good health.
Colorectal Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300
Nationally Ranked in Cancer Care
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked among the nation's top 25 hospitals for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. And we've earned High Performing recognition for colon cancer surgery, placing us among the country’s leading facilities for this procedure.
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s colorectal cancer program offers comprehensive care in a supportive, compassionate environment. Our team of colorectal cancer specialists takes a collaborative approach, consulting regularly on each patient’s case to ensure the highest standard of care.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.
Advanced Care When Every Second Counts
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. It usually begins as an abnormal growth, called a polyp, that forms in the colon or rectum.
Colorectal cancer often goes undetected until it is more advanced, making timely and highly effective treatment a necessity for any patient with the disease. At UT Southwestern, our specialists are dedicated exclusively to treating colorectal cancer using the most advanced treatments and technologies available.
Our multidisciplinary team includes gastroenterologists; medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists; and support staff who focus solely on colorectal cancer. As a team, we are able to provide patients with timely, comprehensive care that leverages the knowledge and expertise of each specialty.
Causes and Risk Factors
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases after age 50. People are also more likely to get it if they have:
- Colorectal polyps
- Family history of colorectal cancer (approximately 5 to 6 percent of colorectal cancers are hereditary)
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- A high-fat diet
- A history of smoking
Although it’s a leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, colorectal cancer can be more easily and successfully treated if detected early. It’s important to be aware of risk factors and get regular screenings for the best chance at early detection.
Diagnosis
To ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis, we use the latest diagnostic technologies, such as:
- Colonoscopy
- Contrast barium enema
- Fecal immunochemical tests
- Fecal occult blood tests
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Treatment
Once we determine a diagnosis, we collaborate closely with each patient to create a personalized care plan. Depending on the stage and nature of the cancer, we might recommend one or a combination of treatments.
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer. Today’s techniques allow us to offer surgery that is much less invasive than the colostomy of the past.
UT Southwestern surgeons perform two procedures for colon cancer – polypectomy and colectomy. Both of these surgeries remove less tissue than previous procedures, allowing the patient to return to his or her normal activities after a shorter recovery time.
Depending on the severity of the cancer, our team might suggest chemotherapy, radiation, or both in addition to surgery.
Supportive Care
We offer a variety of support services for colorectal cancer patients and their families, such as:
- Integrative therapies
- Nutrition counseling
- Advanced screening tests for individuals with a risk of colorectal cancer
- Support groups
Clinical Trials
As a medical research institution, UT Southwestern conducts frequent clinical trials, giving our patients access to the newest treatments for colorectal cancer. Each patient should speak with his or her doctor about the availability of clinical trials.
We have a wide range of clinical trials open to patients with all stages of cancer. Search for opportunities to participate in a cancer study.
Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program is designed to help patients return to health more quickly after undergoing surgery.
MedBlog
Results: 7 Locations
Digestive Disease
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Las Colinas 6121 N. Highway 161, 3rd Floor, Suite 300Irving, Texas 75038 469-647-4700 Directions to Digestive Disease
Digestive Disease
at UT Southwestern Frisco 12500 Dallas Parkway, 3rd FloorFrisco, Texas 75033 469-604-9000 Directions to Digestive Disease Parking Info for Digestive Disease
Outpatient Building
1801 Inwood RoadDallas, Texas 75390 214-645-8300 Directions to Outpatient Building Parking Info for Outpatient Building
2 Clinics at this location
UT Southwestern Surgical Oncology at Texas Health Dallas
at Professional Building 3 8230 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 204Dallas, Texas 75231 214-645-4673 Directions to UT Southwestern Surgical Oncology at Texas Health Dallas Parking Info for UT Southwestern Surgical Oncology at Texas Health Dallas
6 Clinics at this location
- University Hospital Center for Breast Care - Medical Oncology
- University Hospital Medical & Surgical Oncology Clinic - Pancreatic Multidisciplinary Program
- University Hospital Medical Oncology Clinic - Esophageal
- University Hospital Medical Oncology Clinic - Gastrointestinal
- University Hospital Medical Oncology Clinic - Genitourinary
- University Hospital Surgical Oncology Clinic - Gastrointestinal
University Hospital Radiation Oncology Clinic
at Radiation Oncology Building 2280 Inwood RoadDallas, Texas 75390 214-645-8525 Directions to University Hospital Radiation Oncology Clinic
University Hospital Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Clinic
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano 3030 Waterview Parkway, 2nd FloorRichardson, Texas 75080 972-669-7077 Directions to University Hospital Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Clinic