Proven Treatment, Expert Results

Gastrointestinal cancer is a term that describes a range of cancers affecting the digestive system, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, colon and rectum. There are several different types of gastrointestinal cancers, each with specific risk factors, symptoms and treatment options. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. But through early detection and treatment, the disease is also highly preventable.

From innovative therapies and advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive surgery and the latest in radiation therapy, St. Joseph’s Health offers cutting edge medical technology, proven treatments and exceptional support services – all in a comfortable setting close to home.  At every step, our patients receive the support they need to understand and navigate the complexity of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

As part of our commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients, St. Joseph’s Health has partnered with Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center to provide patients with the cancer expertise they need without having to travel far for care. Through this unique and powerful collaboration, patients have access to the most advanced treatment options, highly specialized care, and the most recent clinical trials. Our local physicians work seamlessly with physicians at the John Theurer Cancer Center to deliver exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, coordinated, and effective so our patients can get the best possible outcomes.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum.  Screening tests can find polyps before they become cancerous. In addition, as symptoms often do not show up until the cancer is advanced, screening can also find cancer, which if detected early enough, can often be removed completely without further treatment.

Regular colon cancer screening is important for early detection, when the cancer is most treatable.

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening.  During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a lighted scope to view the inside of your colon. This test searches for potentially cancerous polyps (abnormal growths on the inside lining of the colon or rectum). Catching these polyps early can stop them from ever becoming cancer, or detect the disease when it’s most treatable.  There are also other tests that screen for colorectal cancer such as stool test, rectal exam, or sigmoidoscopy.  General guidelines recommend that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.

Advanced Treatment Options

Treatment of cancer depends on many factors, including your overall health, the type, stage, and location of cancer.  We are committed to providing you with the best possible treatment for your specific cancer and your personal needs.  Effective treatment of cancer requires a coordinated team of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists with specialized expertise in treating gastrointestinal cancers.  Together they determine the most appropriate treatment plan and provide seamless patient care throughout the entire course of treatment. Whether you need single, dual or a combination of all three therapies, you can be confident that you are receiving the highest level of care. Your treatment plan may include:

• Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for gastrointestinal cancers, especially in the early stages. Our board-certified surgeons have advanced training in colon and rectal surgery and use evidence-based techniques with the latest surgical equipment, resulting in better outcomes and fewer post-operative problems. Whenever possible, we use the most advanced minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures, which allows our surgeons to accurately perform complex surgeries that may allow for a less-invasive surgery, less scarring and a shorter hospital stay.  We also offer Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), a procedure in which a heated, sterilized chemotherapy solution is delivered directly into the abdomen during surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses X-rays to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat colorectal cancer because the tumor tends to recur near where it originally started. It can also be combined with chemotherapy to increase effectiveness. St. Joseph’s Health radiation oncologists use the latest technologies and treatments to target tumors with extreme precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Medical Therapies: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, and may be used in combination with radiation therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is usually given after surgery if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, which may reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence. For advanced cancer that is no longer curable, chemotherapy may be used to help shrink tumors and relieve symptoms. Other effective medical treatment options for colorectal cancer can be targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Patient Centered Care

We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life changing event, affecting your life in many different ways.  At St. Joseph’s Health, we combine our clinical expertise with superior support services to help you through your cancer journey.  We offer a full complement of support services tailored to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of our cancer patients, including genetic counseling, support groups, social work, nutritional counseling, and palliative care. From physical discomfort to emotional stress, we are here to guide you through each stage of your cancer journey as you navigate from treatment to recovery.

Contact Us

The Cancer Center at Paterson
703 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
973-754-4891

The Cancer Center at Wayne
234 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-389-6040

The Cancer Center at Totowa
225 Minnisink Road
Totowa, NJ 07512
862-657-4960