Triple-negative breast cancer at 22
July 29, 2026
In February 2025, 22-year-old Shelby Bennoit became cancer-free after treatment for stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer at Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore.
Colorectal cancer care
Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute in Baltimore provides advanced care for colon, rectal and anal cancers
Colorectal cancer care in Maryland
Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute in Baltimore provides advanced care for colon, rectal and anal cancers
About colorectal cancer care at Ascension Saint Agnes
At Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute in Baltimore, our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care for colon, rectal, and anal cancers. We take time to listen to you and understand your concerns, then work together to create a care plan tailored to your needs. Your care may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, supportive services, and guidance from a dedicated cancer navigator who helps coordinate your care and answer questions along the way. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life and self.
Located on the campus of Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, with cancer specialists throughout Baltimore County, Catonsville, and Columbia, we offer convenient access to comprehensive care, second opinions, and ongoing support.
A team approach that helps navigate tests and support services
Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, or other specialists — you do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis, or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator. Your care navigator will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services you need, and support you along the way. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team and ask your questions.
Your doctors and care team are here to help, listen and offer services that help support your treatment plan. Have a conversation with our patient consult coordinator — ask any question, big or small. And we offer an extended care team for emotional support — chaplain, palliative care specialist and oncology-certified social worker. Our healing garden and chapel are always open for you and your loved ones. Other services include:
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Financial aid counselors
- Nutritionists
- Oncology-trained pharmacists
- Patient and caregiver support groups
Types of colorectal cancer
Your doctors and care team deliver a customized care plan for your cancer. We treat many types of colorectal cancer, including:
- Colon adenocarcinoma
- Rectal adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus and perianal area
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
- Lymphoma
- Genetic syndromes, such as Lynch (FNPCC) and Familial Adeonomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Screenings to help detect colon cancer early
Getting regular colon screening may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable. Early detection may allow for more options for treatment too. Talk with your doctor about a screening colonoscopy or at-home colorectal tests that are right for you based on your age, family history, smoking history and other risk factors. If you have been previously diagnosed with cancer or are in remission, screenings may be an ongoing part of your cancer care. Talk with your doctor about the right timing for ongoing screenings. If you need help finding a primary care provider, start here.
How we diagnose colorectal cancer
Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. Lab tests, imaging studies and ultrasound endoscopy help your doctors diagnose digestive health conditions and cancer, and help them create a personalized care plan. Depending on your health and type of cancer, your care plan may include:
Genetic testing and counseling for gene mutations that may increase your risk for colon cancer. Telehealth genetic testing and counseling is also available. Our genetic nurse coordinator schedules your genetic tests and coordinates a consultation with a telehealth genetic consultant from the convenience of your home.
Nutrition counseling to help improve your recovery.
How we treat colorectal cancer
Treatment for colorectal cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery.
These methods can be used to treat tumors that have spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. Ablation is the use of heat, cold, or other methods to destroy tumors rather than removing them. For embolization, a substance is injected into a blood vessel to try to cut off a tumor's blood supply or to send chemotherapy or radiation right to the tumor.
Chemotherapy and other targeted drug therapies that help stop the growth of cancer cells.
Specially trained physical therapists deliver therapy to help manage lymphedema symptoms, such as swelling and pain.
Advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy can also shrink a tumor before surgery, or to help prevent a recurrence of the cancer.
Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to colorectal support groups and spiritual care. And, at Ascension Saint Agnes, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and your loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you. For more information, call 667-234-2918.
Surgery, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery techniques, when possible to remove the cancer.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts your body’s immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells. It uses substances that are either made in the body or in a lab. These substances either boost the immune system overall or help it to better target cancer cells. These medicines can shrink some tumors or slow tumor growth.
Get a second opinion on your colorectal cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Agnes. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.
When you are facing a new colorectal cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our colorectal cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Frequently asked questions about our colorectal cancer care services
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – from physical health and well-being to mental and emotional health to support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our surgeons are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
This service requires a referral
Please call us at 667-234-2910 for information on how to obtain a referral. If you are a provider referring a patient, call 667-234-2910.
Featured locations
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