Colorectal Cancer Care

Rely on skilled providers with experience treating colon and rectal cancer at William R. Bliss Cancer Center in Ames, Iowa. Our board-certified colorectal cancer specialists recommend and provide a full range of advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.

What’s Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC)—also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer—can begin in the colon or rectum and accounts for 95 percent of all colorectal cases. These cancers often start as small, noncancerous polyps in the lining of the large intestine or rectum and can become cancerous over time without early detection.

Colon Cancer Detection & Diagnosis

If you experience symptoms or have concerns about colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor right away. Early detection improves outcomes, and diagnostic tests may include:

• Colonoscopy – Allows your doctor to view the colon lining and detect polyps or other digestive health concerns
• Biopsy – Removes a small sample of tissue for microscopic analysis to confirm colon or rectal cancer
• Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans – Help identify colon cancer before symptoms appear or assess cancer spread

Colorectal Cancer Treatments We Offer

Meet with our colorectal cancer care team to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, stage of disease, and overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy – Prevents cancer cells from growing and dividing
• Immunotherapy, or biotherapy – Boosts or restores the immune system to target cancer cells with fewer side effects
• Radiation therapy – Stops cancer cells from multiplying and may be used for rectal cancer or advanced colon cancer
• Surgery – Removes cancerous tissue from the colon or rectum
• Robotic Surgery – Enables minimally invasive colorectal procedures with smaller incisions and potentially faster recovery

Genetic Testing for Colon Cancer Risk

Learn more about your hereditary cancer risk through genetic counseling and testing at the Cancer Resource Center at William R. Bliss Cancer Center. This service helps identify individuals who may benefit from earlier screening or targeted therapies.

Rectal & Colon Cancer Clinical Trials

Ask your doctor about colorectal cancer clinical trials in Iowa that may give you access to promising treatments not yet widely available. Clinical research can be an important option for advanced or treatment-resistant cases

Supportive Care Services

Talk to your nurse navigator about how you can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through our comprehensive support services. From nutrition and counseling to pain management and survivorship planning, we’re with you every step of the way.