When you choose Ascension Illinois Cancer Care in Chicagoland, 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 will 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 home, family, life and self sooner.
Comprehensive care for colon (colorectal) cancer
Early and accurate screening and diagnosis can help find cancer earlier. And getting the right treatment at the right time decreases the challenges of later-stage colon cancer diagnosis. From colonoscopy and the removal of precancerous polyps to colon surgery, targeted radiation treatment and chemotherapy, our cancer care team has the expertise to deliver treatment options for both early and later-stage cancer diagnoses.
Multidisciplinary doctors for gastrointestinal cancer care
Your doctor and care team work together with you on a care plan. First, you will 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 changes in your diet. 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 colon cancer
At Ascension Illinois Cancer Care, we have gastrointestinal cancer care teams who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. Our oncology care teams deliver advanced treatments, including:
- Colon and rectal polyp or tumor removal
- Complex abdominal surgery and bowel resection
- Intestinal blockage repair and stent placement
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Program
Ascension Illinois partners with Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine to deliver advanced care to treat hepatobiliary cancer that can affect your liver, bile ducts, pancreas or gallbladder. Your multidisciplinary team includes a pathologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, nurse navigator and genetic specialist. Our experienced surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures when possible, and use robotic-assisted technology and advanced surgical techniques to help improve your recovery from surgery and other therapeutic treatments, such as:
- Arterial infusion chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
- Liver resection
- Liver and spleen-preserving surgery
- Pancreatic duodenectomy (Whipple procedure)
- Removal of polyps in the small intestine (transduodenal polypectomy)
- Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for liver cancer
Abdominal surgery for cancer with an enhanced recovery care plan
If your care plan includes surgery or bowel reconstruction, surgeons at Ascension Illinois 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 cancer clinics, we also deliver 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 the right option for your care.
Benefits of our approach to colon and GI cancer care
Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health. Ascension Illinois Cancer Care offers comprehensive cancer care, including:
- Diagnostic tests – GI specialists use endoscopic ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET scans, ERCP spy-glass technology, blood tests, tumor marker analysis, and colonoscopy to diagnose and monitor your condition.
- Colon and gastrointestinal surgery – Surgeons specialize in endoscopic procedures, colonoscopy and robotic-assisted technology to make smaller, more precise incisions to remove polyps and tumors.
- Medical oncology – Medical oncologists work with your surgeon to deliver advanced care (chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy) to help stop cancer spread.
- Radiation oncology – Advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue, including selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), which delivers tiny radioactive beads directly to the liver tumor.
- Clinical trials – If you want to learn more about other cancer care options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.
- Genetics – Genetic tests can help you and your doctor better understand your risk for certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about genetic testing and counseling to better understand your risk for developing cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic pathology tests to help identify genetic changes in cancer cells and tumor growth.
- Support programs and resources – Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups and spiritual care. And, at Ascension Illinois sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and your loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you.
Team approach helps navigate tests and support services
Along the way, your care may require a colonoscopy, imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, nutrition counseling or other specialists. You do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected through in-person and virtual visits. When you come into the clinic for your appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care.
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 your 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 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 doctor, start here.
Get a second opinion on your GI or 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 Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
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 that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
GET A SECOND OPINION
Financial assistance and support is available
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. Call an Ascension Illinois hospital near you.
