Advanced care for colon and rectal cancer
When you choose Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Care, you get a team of experienced colon and rectal specialists in Milwaukee and surrounding communities in Southeast Wisconsin. Our gastroenterologists, oncologists and surgeons share best practices and the latest in colon and rectal cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you.
Advanced care for conditions that affect your colon and rectum
At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we have doctors who specialized in colon cancer and rectal cancer, and many other lower GI conditions, including benign growths, bowel obstruction, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis.
Talk to your doctor about health concerns and symptoms. Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
- Weight loss and you don’t know why
Every appointment with our colorectal specialists starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized 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.
Advanced treatments and therapies for colorectal cancer
Our experienced doctors deliver advanced treatments and therapies for many types of colon and rectal cancer, including:
- Chemotherapy, anti-biologic therapy and immunotherapy: Medical oncologists provide drug treatments that are right for you, at convenient locations that are close to home. Our medical oncologists may also refer qualified candidates to our Ascension Research clinical trial coordinator in Wisconsin.
- Radiation therapy: Using precise mapping strategies, radiation oncologists treat rectal tumors with endorectal brachytherapy and other radiation therapies. The goal of this type of treatment is to target the tumor and reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
- Surgery: Our experienced surgeons surgically remove tumors in the lower intestines and rectum and perform bowel reconstruction, if necessary. During surgery, a chemo-wash called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be used to target cells that have spread to the abdominal lining.
Other treatments for certain types of colon cancer may include radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation.
Ascension Wisconsin cancer centers participate in ongoing clinical trials. To learn more, visit the Ascension Wisconsin Research Institute website .
Colorectal surgery with an enhanced recovery care plan
Surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin use the latest surgical techniques to help improve your recovery and 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.
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, including:
- Genetics– If you are high-risk or have a family history of cancer, we deliver 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 Wisconsin sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and their loved ones. The Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Survivorship Program has activities that support the whole you.
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.
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 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 Wisconsin. 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.
Financial assistance and support are 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.
Cancer centers close to home
Southeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
- Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center (Racine, Wisconsin)
- Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Mayfair Road Cancer Care (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin)
- Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
- Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Ozaukee Campus (Mequon, Wisconsin)
- Reiman Cancer Center - Ascension Wisconsin Health Center - Rawson Avenue (Franklin, Wisconsin)
- Sherman Cancer Center - Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus (Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Northeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
- Ascension Calumet Hospital Cancer Care (Chilton, Wisconsin)
- Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center (Appleton, Wisconsin)
- Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center - Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)