Colon and GI Cancer

GI cancers can occur anywhere in the digestive system, and in addition to colon cancer, include cancers of the rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver, and small intestine.

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon—the longest part of the large intestine.

Most colon cancers start as a polyp—a growth that starts in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and grows toward the center. Most polyps are not cancer. Only certain types, called adenomas, can become cancer. Taking out a polyp early, when it is small, may keep it from becoming cancer.

A Coordinated Team of Specialists

At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, a team of specialists comes together to care for you—mind, body, and spirit.

From prevention, early detection and diagnosis, through treatment and recovery, you are in the hands of a strong team of medical oncologists, nurse navigators, radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and therapists, focused on fighting colorectal cancer.