If you have recently received a colorectal cancer diagnosis, are concerned about symptoms after an abnormal colonoscopy, or want a second opinion, Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine is here. You can talk to a Siteman care coordinator about what to do next and how to schedule with a specialist.
Colorectal cancer is sometimes referred to as colon cancer and can include rectal cancer and anal cancer, too.
As colorectal cancer continues to impact more people at younger ages, it is even more important to get an accurate diagnosis as early as possible – and before symptoms become more serious. Siteman Cancer Center takes symptoms seriously at any age, moves quickly to provide a thorough recommendation for your next steps.
Young-onset colorectal cancer (YO-CRC) is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 55 in the United States. At Siteman, we built a program designed to meet the specific needs of a younger patient – that focuses on your unique recovery and life goals.
We offer the most advanced research and treatment options in the region for colorectal cancer at any age – with a dedicated program for young-onset colorectal cancer. Plus, WashU Medicine physicians who lead the national conversation on prevention, surgery, and survivability. Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or a physician referring your patient, our care coordinators will help guide you, starting with your first call.
Nurses at Siteman answer every call and every form. Speak with them directly 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CT Monday- Friday for guidance on appointments, second opinions, and referrals.
A Siteman care coordinator is the fastest path to referral, consult, or second opinion. Our care coordinators – oncology nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – will guide you from your first call.
Why Choose Siteman Cancer Center for Colorectal Cancer?
At Siteman Cancer Center, we treat colorectal cancer with a level of expertise and precision that is rare in our region.
National excellence, regional leadership in colorectal cancer care
Siteman is the region’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a distinction that reflects the highest standard of cancer research, treatment, and patient care. Our colorectal cancer program, for colon, rectal, and anal cancers, is recognized for scientific leadership, more clinical trial options and our multidisciplinary care standard.
Siteman Cancer Center leads one of the highest volume colorectal programs in the region. A high-volume surgical environment can lead to better outcomes in colorectal cancer – because we see more of this cancer and can better understand how to treat it.
At Siteman, we treat patients at every stage of colorectal cancer, from early polyp surveillance to advanced rectal cancer requiring surgery, radiation, and systemic chemotherapy. Our depth of expertise means Siteman can recognize patterns others can miss and bring options others can’t offer.
WashU Medicine physicians at Siteman Cancer Center specialize in colorectal cancer – and are active researchers of the disease. They publish guidelines, lead trials, and train the next generation of colorectal oncologists. Here, we set the standard for what becomes common practice around the country.
A dedicated program for young-onset colorectal cancer
The number of patients diagnosed with young-onset colorectal cancer, also called early onset colorecal cancer, is rising. Right now, 1 in 5 patients with colorectal cancer is under the age of 55, and physicians forecast this will increase. Siteman is one of the only cancer centers ready to meet these needs. We designed our dedicated young-onset colorectal cancer (YO-CRC) program specifically for these patients.
We understand young-onset colorectal cancer is different. It is often diagnosed at later stages, is more frequently linked to hereditary factors, and comes with life-stage challenges our older patients don’t face. YO-CRC can impact fertility, careers, parenting, and finances. Our program addresses all of these.
We offer care for every aspect of your life, not just your cancer. Our care includes genetic counseling to fertility preservation coordination, and even return-to-work support.
A second opinion here could change your path
You do not need a physician referral for a second opinion at Siteman Cancer Center. You can choose us for your care. Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling – can help you through the process.
Because WashU Medicine physicians for colorectal cancer specialize entirely on this cancer type, they see options others may not. Siteman can help provide peace of mind that you’re in the right place, with the right diagnosis, receiving the right care.
Your Second Opinion at Siteman
Siteman wants to be your first choice for cancer care, but that might not always be possible. If you have received a cancer diagnosis, started care somewhere else, or are a physician seeking specialized care for your patient, ask us about a second opinion. You can start the process. To make it easy, our care coordinators guide scheduling for yourself or your patient.
Team-Based Specialist Care at Every Colorectal Cancer Stage
Colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer, almost always requires more than one kind of treatment. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy must be coordinated with precision. At Siteman, this coordination is built into how we work.
Our multidisciplinary colorectal cancer team brings together WashU Medicine colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, genetic counselors, pathologists, and radiologists.
Every new patient with a colorectal diagnosis is reviewed at our tumor board. This dedicated, collaborative meeting discusses your specific situation. Each specialist contributes in real time.
Research shows that multidisciplinary tumor boards improve treatment plans. At Siteman, that process is part of our standard of care. That means you start with Siteman’s best collective thinking, and it shapes the treatment your team decides is right for you.
Learn more about the colorectal cancer specialists at Siteman
Personalizing a patient’s treatment options is important. So we use genomic characterization of their tumor. We offer genomic testing of the tumor tissue and then use that to guide treatment.
We used to think colorectal cancer was a disease of the older population, but in the past two decades, the median age of diagnosis for this cancer in the U.S. dropped from 72 to 66 years. Our team aims to unravel and ultimately reverse the intricate network of causal factors throughout the life course that contribute to early-onset colorectal cancer.
Dr. Colditz is one of the most cited cancer prevention researchers in the world. His work at Siteman led education efforts and practical tools like 8ightWays to Prevent Cancer and Your Disease Risk. Both help people reduce their risk of colorectal cancer before diagnosis ever happens. His leadership at Siteman in prevention spans from screening and genetic risk assessment to education.
Advanced Surgeries and Treatments for Colorectal Cancer
At Siteman Cancer Center, WashU Medicine colorectal surgeons are internationally recognized experts, treating approximately 350 new cancer patients each year. Our colorectal specialists have access to surgical techniques and treatment technologies that are not available at most cancer centers. That matters when your diagnosis is complex, your tumor is in a difficult location, or you want every care option available.
Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery:
WashU Medicine surgeons at Siteman are specialists in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted colorectal surgery. These techniques mean smaller incisions, less blood loss, faster recovery, and earlier return to daily life. Plus, these benefits don’t compromise outcomes.
For patients with rectal cancer, our surgeons specialize in sphincter-preserving approaches that protect their quality of life.
Sequenced Treatment Combinations:
Rectal cancer requires a precise, sequenced combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Our team coordinates all three. We offer total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), organ preservation approaches, and watch-and-wait protocols for patients who respond to treatment, all approaches that can reduce the need for permanent ostomy.
Radiation Therapy and Proton Therapy:
Our radiation oncologists use the most precise imaging and delivery systems available, including proton therapy for select patients. WashU Medicine radiologists at Siteman provide the highest level of diagnostic image interpretation in the region. This expertise directly improves staging accuracy and treatment decisions.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy:
For patients with MSI-high tumors, Lynch syndrome, or specific genetic mutations, immunotherapy and targeted agents have transformed outcomes. Our oncologists use comprehensive molecular profiling to match every patient with the therapy most likely to work for their specific cancer.
Integrated Care: Screening to Treatment:
Siteman integrates prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. If an abnormal colonoscopy, a mass in the colon, or a suspicious CT result brings you to us, we can move from evaluation to a care plan quickly, so you don’t experience delays you would elsewhere.
Open Clinical Trials at Siteman
Clinical trials at Siteman open up new and unique treatment options for our patients – with access to research-based treatments not available elsewhere. Some are investigating advanced or recurrent disease, or tumors with specific molecular profiles.
Siteman leads more active clinical trials than any other cancer center in the region. We have over 600 open trials each year, and many study colorectal cancer specifically. When you come to Siteman, your care team will review your diagnosis and identify trials that may be right for you.
Clinical trials at Siteman currently offer access to treatments including:
- Immunotherapy combinations for MSI-high and Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancers
- Targeted agents designed for KRAS, BRAF, and HER2 mutations in advanced colorectal cancer
- Novel chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease, including liver-directed therapies
- Precision-based treatment that uses genomic sequencing to match your tumor’s molecular profile
- Prevention and early detection trials for people at high risk (family history or hereditary syndromes)
Clinical trials are research studies that help us find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. If you have a rare or complex diagnosis or your treatment path seems uncertain, you might qualify for a clinical trial.
Our team will help you find a study that is right for you. Call us to speak with a Siteman care coordinator.
Specialized Research Only at Siteman
Colorectal cancer is among the most researched, and most preventable, cancers in the world. At Siteman, patients benefit directly from our research focus.
Siteman is a national leader in colorectal cancer prevention science. The work Graham Colditz, MD [link profile] leads in prevention has shaped cancer control policy and clinical guidelines nationally.
Plus, our researchers are at the leading-edge of discovering why colorectal cancer is occurring at younger ages. WashU Medicine researcher Lin Cao and her team are studying the biological link between accelerated aging and cancer.
Our researchers have led discoveries now replicated at institutions across the country, including:
- Identifying the molecular drivers of young-onset colorectal cancer
- Advancing immunotherapy, opening new options for patients previously with limited choices
- Pioneering minimally invasive surgical approaches that reduce complications and improve long-term functional outcomes
Siteman’s NCI “Exceptional” rating confirms the highest possible level of research quality. Discoveries made here change the standard of care across the country and benefit patients everywhere. When you come to Siteman, your care team will review whether any active research programs could expand your options.
For Referring Physicians: Coordinate Care with Confidence
WashU Medicine experts at Siteman Cancer Cener specialize in colorectal cancer survivability. For your patient with rectal cancer, our team manages chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery in a coordinated, sequenced plan. For your patient with an early-stage colon cancer, our surgical team offers laparoscopic and robotic-assisted resection with outcomes that match or exceed national benchmarks.
Our young-onset colorectal cancer program provides subspecialized care that younger patients might need. We offer genetic counseling, fertility guidance, and social-emotional support – programs unique to Siteman Cancer Center.
We can also help with second opinions. WashU Medicine radiology specialists can clarify staging, identify resectability, and adjust treatment options in complex cases.
A Siteman care coordinator is the fastest path to referral, consult, or second opinion. Our care coordinators – oncology nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – will guide you from your first call.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are a patient seeking care, a family member helping with research, or a physician with a patient who needs a colorectal specialist, we are ready to help
Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
