Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. because it is often found too late for effective treatment. Found in the early stages, it can usually be cured with surgery. Screening can prevent this disease from ever starting because colorectal cancer is often present before symptoms appear.

Most physicians agree that screening should begin at age 50. You should discuss with your health care provider the advantages and limitations of the different screening tests and how often one should be performed. If you have a parent or a sibling who has colon cancer or polyps (growths inside the bowel), your health care provider may want to screen you at an earlier age and more often.

At any age, call your health care provider right away if you notice:

• Rectal bleeding, or blood in your stool
• Stools change significantly in size and color
• A change in your bowel movements, especially if you have bouts of constipation that alternate with bouts of diarrhea
• Pain in your lower abdomen that doesn’t go away or that comes back often
• A feeling of discomfort or the urge to move your bowels when there is no stool present

 Screening and diagnostic services we offer

• A lab test of stool (bowel movement) for traces of blood
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Barium emena

Treatments we offer

• Colonoscopy
• Colon and rectal surgery
• Medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Support groups
• Homecare and hospice
• Palliative care Clinical trials
• A network of specialty physicians from whom to receive a second opinion

Our physician partners

Fairview Southdale Hospital is proud to partner with the following care providers.

• Fairview Oxboro Clinic
  952-885-2561
• Minnesota Gastroenterology PA
  612-871-1145
• Colon Rectal Surgery Assoc Ltd
  651-312-1700
• Fairview Southdale Hospital Medical Oncology Clinic
  952-836-3645
• Minneapolis Radiation Oncology
  952-920-4915
• Minnesota Oncology Hematology
  952-928-2900

Fairview Southdale Hospital Cancer Program

6401 France Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435