Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Treatment at Garnet Health

The advanced colorectal cancer treatment you need is close to home. Garnet Health’s nationally accredited Spagnoli Family Cancer Center, at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY, is conveniently located near patients in Orange and Sullivan Counties. This provides an easily accessible source of integrated cancer care to individuals in our Gastrointestinal Cancer Program.

A colorectal cancer diagnosis brings change and uncertainty, but Garnet Health is here to help you navigate the unique challenges this disease can bring. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced cancer specialists uses advanced therapies and robotic surgical techniques to achieve the most optimal outcome possible for each patient. From diagnosis through treatment and aftercare, Garnet Health will provide the tailored treatment and support you need to stay focused on what’s most important to you. 

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not have any noticeable signs in its early stages. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur: 

• Changes in bowel habits 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• Unusually dark stools 
• Blood from the rectum 
• A feeling of being unable to fully empty the bowels 
• Belly pain or cramping 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Fatigue

In most cases, less serious health conditions are to blame for these symptoms. However, it’s important to promptly consult with a medical professional if one or more colorectal cancer symptoms develop. 

Causes

The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not well understood. However, researchers have identified several factors that can increase an individual’s chances of developing colorectal cancer. These include: 

• Being overweight 
• Living a sedentary lifestyle 
• Smoking 
• Maintaining a diet high in red meat
• Drinking alcohol in excess 
• Having irritable bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal polyps 
• Having a family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer 
• Having Type 2 diabetes 
• Being African-American 

It’s important to note that having one or more these risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop colorectal cancer. Similarly, it’s possible to develop colorectal cancer without any known risk factors. 

Treatment 

Each patient’s optimal course of colorectal cancer treatment will depend on the stage and cellular makeup of the cancer, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. Many treatment plans include a combination of: 

• Surgery to remove tumors and affected issues 
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to help shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells 
• Ablation to destroy tumors through cryosurgery or radiofrequency
• Targeted therapies to slow or stop processes that contribute to cancer growth

Garnet Health offers colorectal cancer treatment to patients in Orange County, Sullivan County and nearby communities.