Gastrointestinal and colon cancer
When you choose cancer centers and gastrointestinal (GI) clinics at Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Care in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you get a care team that is part of a national network. Our experienced cancer doctors share best practices and the latest in cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your oncologist and GI care team starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor listens to understand you, your concerns and answers your questions — big and small. 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
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 screening 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 has the expertise to deliver treatment options for both early and later-stage cancer diagnoses.
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 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 Cancer Care, we have gastrointestinal cancer care teams with hepatobiliary specialists and interventional oncologists specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of 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 with an enhanced recovery care plan
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 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 an 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 Saint Thomas Cancer Care offers comprehensive cancer care, including:
- 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.
- Clinical trials — If you want to learn more about other possible cancer care options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.
- Cancer Genetics — If you are high-risk or have a family history of cancer, we deliver cancer genetic screening, testing and counseling to help you and your doctor better understand your risk for developing cancer.
- 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 Saint Thomas 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 care team and ask your questions.
Ask if virtual care is an option for your 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 screenings 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 gastrointestinal or colon 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 Thomas. 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 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 an integrated national network 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 that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
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.
