Rectal cancer treatment

Who treats rectal cancer?

Our team of world-class gastrointestinal (GI) cancer experts supports you through every aspect of your care, working together to provide a rectal cancer care plan designed specifically for you.

  • Colorectal surgeons: Specialize in conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. 
  • Gastroenterologists: Specialize in the lower gastrointestinal tract. 
  • Oncologists: Treat cancer and provide medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. 
  • Pathologists: Work with a surgically removed sample of diseased tissue, called a biopsy. 
  • Radiation oncologists: Oversee the care of cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.

Types of rectal cancer surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma and other types of rectal cancer. Our experienced surgeons perform complex rectum cancer surgeries (including sphincter preservation) to remove hard-to-treat tumors. Minimally invasive and robotic techniques enable us to remove rectal tumors while saving healthy tissue, helping you retain more bowel function and preserving quality of life.

We provide comprehensive rectal cancer surgery options.

GI cancer program: Getting nutritional support during treatment

Rectal cancers that occur in the digestive tract (GI cancers) can have wide-ranging impacts on your life. We have pioneered nutritional support for gastrointestinal cancer patients, a crucial part of care and recovery.

As part of our Gastrointestinal Cancer program, we offer nutrition counseling by registered dietitian nutritionists for all patients treated for rectal cancer. Our dietitians have a unique understanding of GI cancers and treatments to help you manage how cancer may affect your diet, digestion, or how you eat. Throughout treatment, a well-balanced nutrition plan can improve tolerance and response to therapy and promote recovery.

If your rectal cancer treatment plan includes surgery, you may benefit from our Cancer Appetite and Rehabilitation (CARE) Clinic. Nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and other professionals work as a team to optimize your health before surgery. They tackle a multitude of factors, including diet and lifestyle habits, to set you up for a successful surgery and recovery.

Comprehensive rectal cancer follow-up care

Our team develops a follow-up plan to protect your health after treatment ends. Regular rectal cancer screenings and check-ins with your doctor can help us detect a cancer recurrence or other concern early.

We have a dedicated program tailored to GI cancer patients who have had radiation therapy. An advanced nurse practitioner meets with you regularly to identify and help you manage any long-term radiation side effects, such as bowel and bladder problems.

Rectal cancer support services

Cancer treatment can bring about both physical and emotional changes. We offer a wide range of cancer support services, from counseling, support groups, and educational materials, to integrative oncology services, palliative care, and home care and hospice services.

Rectal cancer treatment: Why choose Penn Medicine

Our doctors regularly treat gastrointestinal cancers like rectal cancer, which helps us diagnose and treat this disease with expert precision. And Penn Medicine specialists follow the latest developments in all types of rectal cancer care. This means you have access to more options like clinical trials and specialized treatment that’s not widely available elsewhere.

You’ll have a treatment plan that’s highly personalized to your needs—a result of our team-based approach to cancer care. We have regular meetings (called tumor boards) that enable doctors with different areas of expertise to collaborate easily. No matter what challenges cancer treatment creates in your life, our oncology nurse navigators will be there to support you by scheduling appointments and connecting you to resources you’ll need during treatment.

National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

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