Why choose Ascension Saint Thomas

When you choose cancer centers and gastrointestinal (GI) clinics at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you get a team of experienced and compassionate doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.

Our care teams share best practices and the latest in cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your oncologist or gastroenterology care team starts with a conversation that focuses on you. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We’ll help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the way, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to your daily life sooner.

Comprehensive care for colon (colorectal) cancer

Not counting skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the fourth-most common cancer in men and women. Early and accurate screening and diagnoses are important. Getting regular colon screenings may help find cancer early and often means more treatment options. From colonoscopy and the removal of precancerous polyps to colon surgery, targeted radiation treatment and chemotherapy, our cancer care team provides treatment options for both early and later-stage cancer diagnoses.

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Your doctor and care team work together with you on a care plan. First, you’ll meet with a colorectal specialist and care team to discuss your diagnosis and care options. Your surgical specialist will answer your questions, paying attention to your physical and emotional needs and those of your caregivers, including what you can eat and daily activities. In addition to your gastroenterologist and surgeon, your care team may include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiation therapist, oncology-certified nurses, dietitian, social worker, chaplain and supportive palliative care specialist. And your entire care team stays connected to discuss your treatment and progress. As your care needs change, we’re ready to support you.

Advanced cancer care for GI cancers

At Ascension Saint Thomas, we have gastrointestinal cancer care teams with hepatobiliary specialists and interventional oncologists specializing in diagnosing and treating gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer. Our surgical, radiation and medical oncology care teams deliver advanced treatments to help manage cancer symptoms so you can enjoy the activities you love to do. Your care plan for GI cancer may include:

• Colon and rectal polyp or tumor removal
• Complex abdominal surgery and bowel resection
• Liver resection
• Liver transplant surgery
• Opening intestinal blockage, including using stents
• Surgical reconstruction of bile ducts and intestines
• TACE liver chemoembolization, implanted resin beads that slowly release chemotherapy
• Y-90 radioembolization for liver cancer, also known as selective internal radiation therapy

Abdominal surgery for cancer

If your care plan includes surgery or bowel reconstruction, surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas use the latest surgical techniques to help improve your recovery and your quality of life. Your care team may also refer to 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 treatments to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Throughout your care, your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Across our national network, we also provide local ablation treatments, radiation therapy and medication therapies (chemotherapy and immunotherapy) for many types of cancer, delivered by highly trained specialists. If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are an option for your care.

Types of colorectal cancer

We treat many types of colorectal cancer, including:

• Adenocarcinoma
• Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
• Lymphoma
• Sarcoma
• Lynch syndrome (HNPCC)
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• MUTYH-associated polyposis
• Peutz–Jeghers syndrome

Stay connected with your personal cancer care navigator and care team

Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect you with other services and answer your questions. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your cancer care navigator and ask questions.

Ask about virtual care (telehealth or online) appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care. You can have these virtual visits from the comfort of your home. You'll be able to talk with your doctor one-on-one via video from your phone or computer and get the care that's right for you.

Screenings to help detect colon cancer early

Getting regular colon screening may help find cancer early, when it’s 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’ve 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.