Colorectal Cancer Program

Focused expertise offers better outcomes

Physicians who concentrate exclusively on colon cancer and other colorectal cancers can make a big difference for patients — in recovery, cure rates and quality of life. The Colorectal Cancer Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin is a team of physicians with sub-specialty expertise in cancers of the colon, rectum and anus.

To make an appointment or for more information, call 866-680-0505 or use our online form.

The Sub-Specialty Difference

Sub-specialization is the key to better cancer care. Cancer physicians who sub-specialize in a particular kind of cancer offer patients the best chance of achieving a cure and preserving a normal quality of life.

Where to Go

Patients in the Thoracic Cancer Program see all their team physicians and nurses in the "Faith" quadrant of the Clinical Cancer Center.

Medical College of Wisconsin physicians in the Colorectal Cancer Program at our Clinical Cancer Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., care exclusively for patients with colon cancer and cancers of the rectum and anus. Dedication to a small range of diseases allows them to stay up-to-date on the latest research findings and the most advanced treatment techniques.

Working together in a complete team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and interventional radiologists, the physicians of the Colorectal Cancer Program provide patients with comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate the most sophisticated and effective therapies for colorectal disease. Learn more about our exceptional staff.

Colon Cancer and Colorectal Cancer: Preventable Diseases

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. More than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and more than 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.

Colon cancer and other colorectal cancers are very preventable, but screening is essential. The vast majority of cases begin as a polyp, and there is typically a long lag time, often years, between the development of a polyp and the onset of cancer.

The Hub Model

The Clinical Cancer Center's hub model builds the entire care experience around patients. Dedicated program coordinators answer questions, address concerns, coordinate treatment and help you along in your journey.

Men and women should begin regular screening for colorectal cancer at age 50.
People with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps should begin screening earlier (consult your physician).

Low Colostomy Rate for Rectal Cancer

In the U.S., more than half of all rectal cancer patients end up with a permanent colostomy. This rate can be reduced dramatically, down to 15-20 percent, when patients are treated by a specialty trained surgeon who treats a high volume of rectal cancer patients.

The physicians in the Colorectal Cancer Program specialize in treating rectal cancer in a way that offers the highest likelihood of a cure while preserving normal bowel function. They are skilled in techniques for removing rectal tumors while maintaining the sphincter muscles. Even if the entire rectum must be removed, novel reconstruction techniques are available that enable the patient to avoid a permanent colostomy.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Options

Some colorectal tumors can be removed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. These techniques have lower complication rates and allow patients to recover from surgery faster and with less post-operative pain.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Some early-stage rectal tumors can be removed through the anus using special surgical devices. This procedure requires no incision and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer

Recent studies show that removing colon tumors using small-incision laparoscopic surgery is as effective as traditional open surgery. Most patients with colon cancer are candidates for this minimally invasive approach. Kirk Ludwig, MD, a Medical College of Wisconsin colorectal surgeon, is a national leader in training physicians to perform laparoscopic colon cancer surgery.

Comprehensive Treatment for Advanced Cancers

Cancers of the colon, rectum and anus can spread to other parts of the body, typically to the liver and lungs. Patients in the Colorectal Cancer Program have access to a full range of providers at the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Several unique therapies are available to patients with liver metastases through our Liver, Pancreas and Bile Duct Cancer Program.
Patients with cancer that has spread to the lungs can access advanced therapies through our Thoracic Cancer Program.

Newly developed chemotherapy drugs are significantly extending survival for patients with metastatic cancer. Patients in the Colorectal Cancer Program can also access the latest investigational chemotherapy options through our active clinical trials program.

Physician-Authored Articles

The exceptional staff in the Colorectal Cancer Program have contributed articles about colorectal cancer and are available in our Academic and Physician Publications section.