The 20 Best Colorectal Cancer Doctors Near Me

Find Doctors who have experience with Bevacizumab

Last Updated: 09/26/2026

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MediFind found 1416 doctor with experience in Colorectal Cancer.

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1,416 providers found
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
    Referral may be required
    675 N St Clair St Ste 20-100, Galter Pavilion, 
    Chicago, IL 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Rimas Lukas is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Neurologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Lukas is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 38 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Astrocytoma, Glioma, Glioblastoma, Brain Tumor, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Lukas is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology - Neurology (Certified). Dr. Lukas is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology | Hematology Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology | Hematology Oncology
    Referral may be required

    Duke Cancer Center

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

    I am a part of the thoracic oncology program. I work with patients who have cancers of the lung, which includes non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma. My focus is on clinical care, clinical trials, and developing new therapies for these diseases. When I first meet with a patient, I want them to understand what their diagnosis is, because there are actually multiple diagnoses of lung cancer and each are treated differently. Then I discuss with a patient whether they are a candidate for therapies such as molecular therapy or immunotherapy, and make sure they have a clear understanding of the treatment plan. There are some very promising new therapies for these diseases and we are fortunate to have those available to patients here at Duke. That’s one of the unique things we offer as an academic medical center. Dr. Stinchcombe is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), EGFR Positive Lung Cancer, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Dr. Stinchcombe is board certified in American Board Of Internal Med, Medical Oncology. Dr. Stinchcombe is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    City Of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center-Duarte

    1500 Duarte Rd, 
    Duarte, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Sumanta Pal is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Duarte, California. Dr. Pal is rated as an Elite provider 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 Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Urothelial Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Nephrectomy, and Lymphadenectomy.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Interventional Radiology In San Jose

    2589 Samaritan Dr, 
    San Jose, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Heather Wakelee is an Oncologist practicing medicine in San Jose, California. Dr. Wakelee is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Thymic Epithelial Tumor, Thymectomy, and Tissue Biopsy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Ravi Salgia, M.D., PH.D.

    1500 Duarte Rd, 
    Duarte, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Ravi Salgia is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Duarte, California. Dr. Salgia is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Tissue Biopsy, and Gastrostomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology | Radiology | Hematology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology | Radiology | Hematology
    Referral may be required

    Fox Chase Cancer Center

    333 Cottman Ave, 
    Philadelphia, PA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Spanish
    Offers Telehealth

    Hossein Borghaei is an Oncologist and a Radiologist practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Borghaei is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and EGFR Positive Lung Cancer. Dr. Borghaei is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    City Of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center-Duarte

    1500 Duarte Rd, 
    Duarte, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Marwan Fakih is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Duarte, California. Dr. Fakih is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Colorectal Cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal (SCAC), Anal Cancer, Liver Embolization, and Endoscopy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Boston University Radiation Oncology Inc.

    830 Harrison Ave, 
    Boston, MA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Matthew Kulke is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Kulke is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Carcinoid Syndrome, and Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET). Dr. Kulke is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

    210 Ashville Ave # 408, 
    Cary, NC 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Anil Sood is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Cary, North Carolina. Dr. Sood 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 Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor, Endoscopy, and Tubal Ligation.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Surgical Oncology
    Referral may be required

    Yuman Fong, M.D.

    1500 Duarte Rd, 
    Duarte, CA 
    Experience:
    42+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Yuman Fong is a Surgical Oncologist practicing medicine in Duarte, California. He has been practicing medicine for over 42 years. Dr. Fong is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Hepatectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

    210 Ashville Ave # 408, 
    Cary, NC 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    John Heymach is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Cary, North Carolina. Dr. Heymach is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Adenocarcinoma, and Tissue Biopsy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Daneng Li, M.D.

    1500 Duarte Rd, 
    Duarte, CA 
    Experience:
    17+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Daneng Li is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Duarte, California. He has been practicing medicine for over 17 years. Dr. Li is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 22 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Neuroendocrine Tumor, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Liver Cancer, Lymphadenectomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Ophthalmology | Oncology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Ophthalmology | Oncology
    Referral may be required

    Ophthalmology - Wills Eye Hospital

    840 Walnut Street, Floor 10, 
    Philadelphia, PA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Carol Shields is an Ophthalmologist and an Oncologist practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shields is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 49 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Retinoblastoma, Melanoma of the Eye, Uveal Melanoma, Vitrectomy, and Iridectomy. Dr. Shields is board certified in Ophthalmology. Dr. Shields is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Emory Winship Cancer Institute

    1365 Clifton Road Northeast, BldgC, 
    Atlanta, GA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Tamil
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Suresh Ramalingam is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Ramalingam is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), EGFR Positive Lung Cancer, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Ramalingam is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, 2003. Dr. Ramalingam is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
    Referral may be required
    675 N St Clair St Ste 20-100, Galter Pavilion, 
    Chicago, IL 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Roger Stupp is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Neurologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Stupp is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Glioma, and Brain Tumor. Dr. Stupp is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center

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

    Julie R. Brahmer, M.D., M.Sc. is the Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program, Professor of Oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and the Marilyn Meyerhoff Professor in Thoracic Oncology. She also directs the Kimmel Cancer Center on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus and is co-principal investigator on Johns Hopkins' National Clinical Trials Network. Dr. Brahmer received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Philosophy in 1989 from the Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and went on to receive her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in 1993. Completing her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah, Dr. Brahmer later became the Chief Medical Resident until moving to Baltimore to complete her fellowship in Medical Oncology at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Brahmer is an active clinical leader in the treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma. She leads the organization of the multidisciplinary thoracic malignancy conference whose members meet weekly to discuss thoracic malignancy cases that need a multidisciplinary review/approach. Dr. Brahmer's research and clinical practice focuses on the development of new therapies for the treatment and prevention of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Dr. Brahmer's research interests include leading early phase immunotherapy trials of anti-PD-1 antibodies, international phase III studies of immunotherapies in lung cancer and investigator-initiated trials evaluating epigenetic therapies in combination with immunotherapies. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Thoracic Committee and Cancer Prevention Steering Committee. She is one of the founding Board members for the National Lung Cancer Partnership (formerly Women Against Lung Cancer). Within the National Lung Cancer Partnership, she currently serves as a member and the Chairman of the Scientific Executive Committee. She is also on the medical advisory board of the Lung Cancer Research Fund and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Dr. Brahmer is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Dr. Brahmer is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Brahmer is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral required

    Texas Oncology, P.A.

    3410 Worth Street, Suite 400, 
    Dallas, TX 
    Experience:
    44+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Spanish
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. O'Shaughnessy is a Medical Oncologist that focuses on breast cancer prevention and treatment. She founded The School of Breast Oncology, a program providing a curriculum-based program focused exclusively on breast cancer clinical management. Dr. O'Shaughnessy attended medical school at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. She then completed her Internal Medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA and a Medical Oncology fellowship at National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. She is co-chair of Breast Cancer Research, chair of Breast Cancer Prevention Research at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for US Oncology Research Network. Dr. O'shaughnessy 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 Breast Cancer, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. O'shaughnessy is board certified in Medical Oncology- American Board Of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology- American Board Of Internal Med/Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine- American Board Of Internal Med, and Internal Medicine- American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. O'shaughnessy is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center

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

    Dr. Michael A. Carducci is the AEGON Professor in Prostate Cancer Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He serves as the Vice Chair of Solid Tumor Oncology in the Department of Oncology. Dr. Carducci has an expertise in various types of cancer including prostate, kidney, and testicular. He also has an expertise in clinical trials, pain and palliative care for oncology, urological oncology, urology and medical oncology. A graduate of Georgetown University, Dr. Carducci received his medical degree with high distinction from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine internship, residency and chief residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He went on to complete medical oncology and research fellowships at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was promoted to Professor of Oncology and Urology in 2008 and installed into the inaugural AEGON Professorship in Prostate Cancer Research in 2009. He served as Co-Director of the GU Oncology program until 2013. In 2013, he assumed the leadership role of Associate Director for Clinical Research until being named Vice-Chair of Solid Tumor Oncology in 2024. A fellow of the American College of Physicians and a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Carducci has received peer-reviewed funding for his clinical research from the National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Mentorship of students, fellows, and junior faculty has been another focus of Dr. Carducci’s career in medicine, receiving numerous teaching awards. Dr. Carducci received the Michaele Christian Award and Lectureship for Oncology Drug Development at the National Cancer Institute in 2011. He chaired the Genitourinary Oncology Committee of ECOG-ACRIN from 2011-2024. In this role, he served on the GU Steering Committee for the NCI. Dr. Carducci is a member of the Investigational Drug Steering Committee for the NCI, and chaired that Committee for four years. He served as Associate Editor for GU Cancers for the Journal of Clinical Oncology from 2013-2024. Overall, his clinical research focus is on the development and evaluation of new therapies for urologic cancers. Incorporation of pharmacodynamics, novel biomarkers, and targeted imaging has been key elements of many of the trials led by Dr. Carducci. To complete these studies, Dr. Carducci facilitates and brings together a multidisciplinary team from urologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, biostatisticians, and medical oncologists. Other areas of interest include palliative and end of life care, survivorship, and use of patient reported outcomes in clinical research and care. This provider is registered with the Florida Department of Health to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida. Dr. Carducci is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Prostate Cancer, Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Prostatectomy. Dr. Carducci is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Carducci is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology | Obstetrics and Gynecology
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Oncology | Obstetrics and Gynecology
    Referral may be required

    John C.K. Chan, MD Private Practice

    1100 Van Ness Ave, 4th Fl, 
    San Francisco, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    John Chan is an Oncologist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in San Francisco, California. Dr. Chan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 22 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Oophorectomy, and Hysterectomy. Dr. Chan is board certified in Obstetrics And Gynecology - Board Certified , OB & Gyn (Sub: Gynecologic Oncology), Gynecologic Oncology - Board Certified, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Chan is currently accepting new patients.

    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Elite in Colorectal Cancer
    Referral may be required

    Banner-University Medical Center Tucson Campus

    1625 North Campbell Avenue, 
    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, Gallbladder Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Shroff is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine/Medical Oncology. Dr. Shroff is currently accepting new patients.

    Showing 1-20 of 1,416

    Last Updated: 09/26/2026

    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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