The 20 Best Colorectal Cancer Doctors Near Me

Find Doctors who have experience with OXAliplatin

Last Updated: 04/29/2026

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MediFind found 2145 doctor with experience in Colorectal Cancer.

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2,145 providers found
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology
    675 N St Clair St Ste 21-100, Galter Pavilion, 
    Chicago, IL 
    Experience:
    26+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Shishir Maithel is a Surgical Oncologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He has been practicing medicine for over 26 years. Dr. Maithel is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Gallbladder Cancer, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Hepatectomy. Dr. Maithel is board certified in American Board Of Surgery - Surgery (Certified).

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology

    Surgical Oncology DDC

    200 Lothrop Street, Suite D380, 
    Pittsburgh, PA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Amer H. Zureikat, MD, is vice chair of surgery for surgical oncology in the Department of Surgery at UPMC, chief of Surgical Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and UPMC Chair of Clinical Surgery. He is the division chief for gastrointestinal surgical oncology in the Department of Surgery at UPMC and professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Zureikat specializes in cancers and diseases of the pancreas, stomach, liver and duodenum and is an expert in robotic pancreatic surgery. His clinical and academic interests include the multimodality treatment of pancreatic cancer, and comparative effectiveness of open and robotic approaches to gastrointestinal cancers in general and pancreatic cancer in particular.Dr. Zureikat is board-certified in general surgery. He received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, completed his general surgery residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center and his fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC. Dr. Zureikat is a member of the Society of University Surgeons (SUS), Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), and the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA). In addition, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Dr. Zureikat is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 31 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Zureikat is board certified in American Board Of Surgery. Dr. Zureikat is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    University Of Arizona Cancer Center

    3838 North Campbell Avenue, Building 1, 
    Tucson, AZ 
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Spanish
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    I enjoy traveling, dancing and food. Dr. Shroff is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Shroff is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine/Medical Oncology. Dr. Shroff is currently accepting new patients.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    General Surgery | Surgical Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    General Surgery | Surgical Oncology

    Duke Cancer Center

    20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
    Durham, NC 
    Experience:
    33+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    I am a cancer surgeon who specializes in treating patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, stomach, and adrenal glands. I initially trained and practiced at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. During this time, I served one year on a forward surgical team in Iraq. Following this service, I practiced for 13 years as a surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In 2018, I joined the faculty at Duke University and now serve as the chief of surgical oncology for Duke Health. I enjoy getting to know my patients and delivering the highest quality of cancer care. I am dedicated not only to treating and curing your cancer, but also providing you with the highest quality of life. Operations for cancers within the abdomen are a serious undertaking, and I am committed to making sure that they are performed with the highest level of expertise. Dr. Allen is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 33 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatectomy, and Hepatectomy. Dr. Allen is board certified in American Board Of Surgery, General Surgery.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center

    201 North Broadway Street, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, 
    Baltimore, MD 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Daniel Laheru is a cancer specialist in Baltimore, caring for patients with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and neuroendocrine cancers. Dr. Laheru serves as co-director of the Skip Viragh Center for Pancreas Cancer Clinical Research and Patient Care at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Laheru received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from The University of Utah. He earned his M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his residency at The University of Utah Hospital and Clinics and performed a fellowship in medical oncology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Dr. Laheru joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2001. Dr. Laheru's research interests include pancreatic cancer and chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. With Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., he developed a vaccine that supercharges the immune system and causes immune cells, which tend to be tolerant of cancer, to seek out and kill pancreatic cancer cells throughout the body. He has given numerous invited talks on pancreatic cancer and other cancers both nationally and internationally. He has authored over 200 papers focused on pancreatic cancer. Dr. Laheru serves as associate editor of Annals of Pancreatic Cancer. He has been recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology with the Young Investigator Award, by the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins as an Isaac and Catharine Hecht Scholar and has been elected to the Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research. Dr. Laheru is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 28 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Laheru is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology

    Duke Cancer Center

    20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
    Durham, NC 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Diane Reidy is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist practicing medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Reidy is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Liver Embolization.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Washington, DC 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Michael Pishvaian is the director of Gastrointestinal, Developmental Therapeutics and Clinical Research Programs for the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in the Greater Washington Area and an associate professor at the School of Medicine. Dr. Pishvaian is a fellowship-trained gastrointestinal oncologist specializing in pancreatic and refractory colorectal cancers. He is committed to precision medicine and provides his patients with the most appropriate and advanced level of care. He conducts all phases of clinical trials for all GI cancers and enrolls qualifying patients. Click here to learn more about oncology clinical trials the Greater Washington Area. Dr. Pishvaian is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Pishvaian is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    Duke Cancer Center

    20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
    Durham, NC 
    Experience:
    21+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    I specialize in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a focus on clinical trials. Clinical trial patients can come to me at any point during their disease, but they usually come to me looking for an alternative therapy once standard treatments have not been effective. I decided to become a doctor later in my career. I originally graduated from university with a non-science degree, but the excitement of advancing medical breakthroughs inspired me to start a career in medicine. As a Duke physician, I enjoy the diverse experiences that I get to have each week. In addition to taking care of patients and conducting research, I work closely with other doctors on crafting treatment plans. I also find it fulfilling to be able to apply my research to patient care. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, jogging and skiing. Dr. Strickler is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Ampullary Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer. Dr. Strickler is board certified in American Board Of Internal Med, Internal Medicine and American Board Of Internal Med, Medical Oncology.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center At Milford Regional Medical Center

    20 Prospect Street, 
    Milford, MA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Matthew Yurgelun is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Milford, Massachusetts. Dr. Yurgelun is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Lynch Syndrome, Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology

    Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center

    201 North Broadway Street, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, 
    Baltimore, MD 
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Hindi, Urdu
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Nilofer S. Azad is Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and serves as the Associate Cancer Center Director for Clinical Research for the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Dr. Azad earned her medical degree and completed a residency in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She then completed a fellowship in oncology and hematology at the National Institute of Health's National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland where she served as chief fellow. Dr. Azad’s research focused on early phase drug development and the intersection of moving exciting laboratory findings into patients for new treatment options Dr. Azad joined the faculty at the Kimmel Cancer Center in 2008. Dr. Azad’s clinical expertise is in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, with a concentration in colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma and pancreaticobiliary tract cancer. Her research efforts are dedicated to developing new drug combinations for patients with advanced cancer. In particular, Dr. Azad’s laboratory and clinical trials explore epigenetic therapy in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to improve survival for patients, as well as molecularly targeted drugs. She is an active clinical trialist, leading multiple clinical trials of molecularly targeted agents for advanced cancer patients. Dr. Azad has received numerous grants for her work from entities such as the NCI (National Cancer Center), American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Research, Breakthrough Cancer Foundation, the Lustgarten Foundation, The Gateway Foundation, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, among others. She served as Principal for Johns Hopkins on the AACR Stand Up 2 Cancer Colorectal Cancer Dream Team and is a member of the Stand Up 2 Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team, leading the GI cancer initiatives for the group. Dr. Azad is a national leader in GI cancer, including serving as a member of the national NCI Colon Cancer Task Force and as Co-Chair of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. She has a presidential appointment to the National Cancer Advisory Board. Dr. Azad is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Azad is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.

    Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology | Oncology
    Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology | Oncology

    Ballad Health Cancer Center

    2202 North John B. Dennis Highway, Suite 100, 
    Kingsport, TN 
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    . Dr. Shipstone is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 54 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia, Colorectal Cancer, Hemangioma Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, and Thrombocytopenia. Dr. Shipstone is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

    10201 Carnegie Avenue, 
    Cleveland, OH 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Alok Khorana is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Khorana is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Khorana is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, 2002.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Colorectal Surgery
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Colorectal Surgery

    Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion

    160 E 53rd St, 
    New York, NY 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Martin Weiser is a Colorectal Surgeon practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Weiser is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Ileostomy, and Colostomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Colorectal Surgery
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Colorectal Surgery

    Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion

    160 E 53rd St, 
    New York, NY 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Philip Paty is a Colorectal Surgeon practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Paty is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Colostomy, and Ileostomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Colorectal Surgery
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Colorectal Surgery

    Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion

    160 E 53rd St, 
    New York, NY 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Julio Garcia is a Colorectal Surgeon practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Garcia is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Ileostomy, and Colostomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology | Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology | Oncology

    LG Health Physicians Hematology And Medical Oncology

    2102 Harrisburg Pike, 
    Lancaster, PA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Efrat Dotan is a Hematologist and an Oncologist practicing medicine in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Dotan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer). Dr. Dotan is board certified in Medical Oncology, 2010. Dr. Dotan is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology

    Ohio State Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care

    2050 Kenny Rd, 
    Columbus, OH 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Timothy Pawlik is a Surgical Oncologist practicing medicine in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Pawlik is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 41 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Amsterdam, NH, NL 

    Marc Besselink practices practicing medicine in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Mr. Besselink is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Cancer, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    LA Scuro Square, 
    Verona, IT 

    Massimo Falconi practices practicing medicine in Verona, Italy. Mr. Falconi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer

    Moffitt Cancer Center At International Plaza

    4101 Jim Walter Blvd, 
    Tampa, FL 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Jonathan Strosberg is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Strosberg is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET), Liver Embolization, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Dr. Strosberg is currently accepting new patients.

    Showing 1-20 of 2,145

    Last Updated: 04/29/2026

    What is the definition of Colorectal Cancer?

    Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon cancer, is a cancer that occurs in the large intestine (colon) or rectum and is the third most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., appearing more frequently in older men and women over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer often begins with appearance of small, non-cancerous (benign) growths (polyps) in the lining of the colon that are without symptoms. Some of these polyps can eventually develop into tumors and become colorectal cancer. Not all polyps become cancerous. The risk of polyps developing into cancer depends on the type of polyps, of which there are two main types:   1) Adenomas are considered pre-cancerous because they sometimes become adenocarcinomas, which represent 96% of colorectal cancers. 2) Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps occur more often and are usually non-cancerous. Additional risks for polyps becoming cancerous include their size, number, or whether they have abnormal cells. If a polyp does become cancerous, the cancer can spread into the lining of the colon or rectum, and eventually through other layers. Once inside the wall of the colon or rectum, the cancer can then spread into the blood vessels and lymph system (nodes) or other, distant parts of the body (metastasis).  A few other, less common colorectal cancers include: Carcinoid Tumors that arise from hormone-producing cells in the colon. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) that arise from special cells in the lining of the colon, and which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous (benign); however, GISTs do not commonly appear in the colon. Lymphomas, which are cancers that begin in lymph nodes. Sarcomas, which begin in the blood vessels, muscles, or connective tissues, and rarely appear as colorectal cancers. Colorectal cancer is classified based on the following stages: Stage 0 – Carcinoma in Situ: abnormal cells may be found in the lining (mucosa) of the colon or rectum. Stage I – Cancer has formed in the lining (mucosa) of the colon or rectal wall and has spread to the submucosa (outer layer) or the muscle layer. Stage II (IIA, IIB, IIC) – Cancer has spread through the muscle of the colon or rectum to the outer layer (serosa); Cancer has spread through the outer layer (serosa) to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum); Cancer has spread through the outer layer (serosa) to other organs. Stage III (IIA, IIIB, IIIC) – Cancer has spread through the mucosa (inner layer), submucosa (outer layer), or muscle layer of colon or rectum, or through the colon or rectal wall to four-to-six lymph nodes; Cancer has spread through the mucosa (inner layer), submucosa (outer layer), or muscle layer of colon or rectum, or through the colon or rectal wall to the mucosa that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) and one-to-three lymph nodes, or four-to six lymph nodes, or seven or more lymph nodes; Cancer has spread to the mucosa lining the abdomen (peritoneum) and four-to six lymph nodes, or seven or more lymph nodes, or to nearby organs. Stage IV (IVA, IVB, IVC) – Cancer has spread to one area or organ not near the colon or rectum, such as liver, lung, ovary, or distant lymph node; Cancer has spread to more than one area or organ, such as liver, lung, ovary, or distant lymph node; Cancer has spread to the lining of the wall of the abdomen (peritoneum) and may have spread to other organs. The level of staging for colorectal cancer determines its treatment and outcomes (prognosis).

    What type of doctors treat colorectal cancer?  

    Colorectal cancer is treated by a team of specialists who collaborate to create the best care plan. Key doctors include: 

    • Colorectal surgeons: These specialists perform surgeries to remove cancerous tissues from the colon or rectum. They also handle complications or follow-up surgeries if needed. 
    • Medical oncologists: These doctors use treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to manage cancer, especially if it has spread. 
    • Radiation oncologists: They use radiation therapy to shrink tumors or destroy cancer cells. Radiation is often used for rectal cancer. 
    • Gastroenterologists: These doctors focus on diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. While they perform colonoscopies to detect cancer, they do not treat it. 

    A colorectal doctor typically refers to a colorectal surgeon, while a gastroenterologist focuses on diagnosing and managing digestive disorders. 

    What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? 

    Colorectal cancer can cause different symptoms that vary from person to person. Common symptoms include: 

    • Persistent changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea, constipation, or stools that are narrower than usual 
    • Blood in the stool, which may appear bright red or dark 
    • Abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort that doesn’t go away 
    • A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement 
    • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite 
    • Fatigue or weakness 

    Blood in the stool or subtle changes in bowel habits may be early warning signs of colorectal cancer. However, most people do not notice their symptoms until the cancer has progressed. That’s why regular screenings, such as colonoscopies starting at age 45 or earlier for high-risk individuals, are important for early detection.  

    How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?  

    Colorectal cancer diagnosis involves a combination of screening tools and diagnostic tests

    • Colonoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to check for abnormalities. If polyps or suspicious areas are found, a biopsy can be taken for testing. 
    • Stool-based tests: These include fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), which check for hidden blood, and stool DNA tests, which look for abnormal DNA changes. 
    • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): A less invasive imaging test that uses CT scans to create detailed pictures of the colon and rectum. 
    • Blood tests: While blood work, such as a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test, can suggest cancer, it cannot confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests are often used to monitor the cancer’s progress or recurrence. 

    What can colorectal cancer be mistaken for?  

    Colorectal cancer can develop over many years without obvious symptoms. Some patients were misdiagnosed in the early stages of their cancer because their symptoms were similar to those of common health conditions, such as: 

    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A disorder causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. 
    • Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that can cause rectal bleeding. 
    • Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon. 
    • Infections: Intestinal infections can mimic symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain. 

    What is the life expectancy for someone with colorectal cancer?  

    The life expectancy for colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, overall health, and response to treatment.  

    The survival rates based on cancer stages are: 

    • Localized (early stage): If the cancer is confined to the colon or rectum, the 5-year survival rate is about 91%. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment. 
    • Regional spread: When cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, the 5-year survival rate drops to about 72%. 
    • Distant spread (metastatic cancer): If the cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 15%. 

    These survival rates are averages, and outcomes will vary from person to person. Advances in treatment options, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, continue to improve prognosis for many patients. 

    When should I see a Colorectal Cancer doctor near me?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing a Colorectal Cancer doctor near me?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Colorectal Cancer doctors near me?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Colorectal Cancer doctors near me?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with a Colorectal Cancer doctor near me?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Colorectal Cancer doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Colorectal Cancer doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with a Colorectal Cancer doctor near me?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Colorectal Cancer doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Colorectal Cancer doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Colorectal Cancer doctors near me?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Colorectal Cancer doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find a Colorectal Cancer doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Colorectal Cancer doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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