At 34 years old, Alexiss did not expect she would need a colonoscopy for years to come, and she was not prepared for a cancer diagnosis.

Read Alexiss' Story

The Colorectal Cancer Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin is made up of an interdisciplinary team of physicians, colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, interventional radiologists and more, with specialized expertise in cancers of the colon, rectum and anus. As a team, we are committed to providing outstanding, compassionate patient care.

Colorectal cancers include:

For patients with colorectal cancer, survival is the primary concern. But other factors, such as avoiding a colostomy, can be vitally important. Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer should be sure they’ve explored all of their options before undergoing treatment that may be too severe or inappropriate for their condition.

We offer second opinions through our Cancer Second Opinion Program to provide patients with the reassurance that a diagnosis is accurate and that they know all of the treatment options available to them. Seeing a colorectal cancer specialist, a physician who concentrates solely on colorectal cancers, can make a big difference for patients in recovery, cure rates and quality of life. 

Nationally Accredited

Froedtert Hospital has earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center demonstrates compliance with NAPRC standards for management, clinical services and quality improvement. It must also have a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team: surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. In addition, the program meets certain standards addressing clinical services, including testing (carcinoembryonic antigen testing), MR and CT imaging for cancer staging, and ensuring patients start treatment within a defined timeframe.

Interdisciplinary, Specialized Care Saves Lives

Teams of specialists from different disciplines working together are the key to better cancer care. Medical College of Wisconsin physicians in the Colorectal Cancer Program at our Clinical Cancer Center care exclusively for patients with colorectal cancer. This focus on a small range of diseases allows our physicians to stay in touch with the most advanced treatment techniques and help shape future advancements through research. For example, our colorectal surgeons are experienced in sphincter-sparing techniques, and strive to avoid permanent colostomy for rectal cancer patients whenever possible.

Tumor Boards Lead to Better Care

Our Colorectal Cancer Program makes use of tumor boards — weekly meetings of all of the physicians and clinical staff involved in the spectrum of colorectal cancer care, including: colorectal surgeons, surgical oncologists, surgeons who focus on hepatobiliary disease, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, vascular and interventional radiologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, genetics counselors, nursing staff and others. 

Together, these specialists review and discuss complex cases. The goal is to develop a treatment plan based on the best options for each patient, with input from every specialty. Our cancer specialists are all under one roof, making coordinated, comprehensive care even easier.

The Academic Difference

The physicians of the Colorectal Cancer Program are committed to the most optimal patient care and to developing future treatment advances. They teach other doctors across the country how to perform the latest techniques. 

Dr. Ludwig image

Medical College of Wisconsin colorectal surgeon Kirk Ludwig, MD, is an international authority in colorectal disease and helped develop national treatment guidelines for colon, rectal and anal cancers, as well as screening guidelines for colorectal cancers. In addition, he teaches laparoscopic techniques to doctors around the world.

Our physicians are setting the standard of care for colorectal cancers.

Nationally Accredited

Froedtert Hospital has earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center demonstrates compliance with NAPRC standards for management, clinical services and quality improvement. It must also have a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team: surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. In addition, the program meets certain standards addressing clinical services, including testing (carcinoembryonic antigen testing), MR and CT imaging for cancer staging, and ensuring patients start treatment within a defined timeframe.

Minimally Invasive Techniques and Specialized Expertise

As a patient, you want to be assured your physicians understand accepted standards of care and treatment guidelines for your diagnosis. The physicians in our Colorectal Cancer Program all have advanced (fellowship) training in their specialties and board certification. We follow and help advance accepted treatment guidelines for how best to treat colorectal cancers.

In addition to helping develop guidelines for standards of care and teaching extensively, our colorectal surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive techniques for treating several types of colorectal cancer. For example, some colorectal tumors can be removed using minimally invasive surgical techniques without the need for a permanent colostomy. These techniques have lower complication rates and allow patients to recover from surgery faster and with less pain.

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We’ll gather your medical records for you and get our experts’ input so we can offer treatment options without an in-person visit. To schedule a virtual visit, call 1-866-680-0505.

Nationally Ranked and Recognized as High Performing by U.S. News & World Report

Froedtert Hospital is nationally ranked in gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Froedtert Hospital is also recognized as high performing in three adult specialties and 15 procedures and conditions, including cancer and colon cancer surgery.