Colorectal Cancer Care
Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when found early. Broward Health offers screening, diagnosis and advanced treatment to help you get the care you need close to home.
Expert Care for Colorectal Cancer
Broward Health provides advanced care for patients with colorectal cancer, including cancers of the colon and rectum. Our specialists offer screening, diagnosis and treatment using the latest techniques to help detect cancer early and provide effective care.
From routine colon cancer screenings to complex cancer surgery, our care teams work together to guide patients through every step of treatment and recovery.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.
Most colorectal cancers start as small growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Screening tests can find and remove these polyps before cancer develops.
When colorectal cancer is found early, treatment is often more successful.
CMany people do not have symptoms in early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Ongoing stomach pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired
If you notice these symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Some factors may increase your risk, including:
- Age 45 or older
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colon polyps
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diet high in processed foods
Your doctor can help determine when screening should begin.
Screening tests can find colorectal cancer early or detect polyps before they turn into cancer.
Doctors recommend starting screening at age 45 for most adults.
Your doctor can help determine which screening test is right for you.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Options
Colonoscopy
This common screening uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon. It can detect and remove polyps or take tissue samples during the same procedure.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)
Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and your overall health. Your care team may recommend:
- Surgery to remove cancerous tissue
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies
At Broward Health, cancer specialists work together to create a treatment plan tailored to each patient.
Learn More About Cancer Treatment OptionsAdvanced Robotic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer
Broward Health Coral Springs has been named an Epicenter for da Vinci colorectal surgery by Intuitive, the company that developed the da Vinci Surgical System. It is the only hospital in Broward and Miami-Dade counties with this designation.
This recognition is given to a small group of hospitals across the country that demonstrate exceptional experience and outcomes in robotic colorectal surgery. It reflects Broward Health's commitment to high-quality care, surgical precision and strong patient outcomes.
The da Vinci Surgical System is advanced robotic technology that helps surgeons perform complex procedures using small instruments and a high-definition camera. The surgeon controls the system from a console, allowing for greater precision during surgery.
For many patients, robotic colorectal surgery may offer smaller incisions, less pain and less blood loss than traditional surgery. These benefits may also help support a faster recovery.
Learn More About Robotic Surgery at Broward Health
