Program for Young-Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer
The Young-Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer program is the first in Indiana dedicated to patients under age 50 diagnosed with colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers. Our mission is to provide personalized, compassionate care to all patients while increasing access to targeted treatments and clinical trials.
Our team includes experts in medical oncology, colorectal and liver surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, interventional radiology, gastroenterology, and radiology. We work as a team to customize your care throughout all phases of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship because younger adults facing these cancers often face unique challenges and require additional support.
Our program offers a wide range of resources and support to patients:
- Advanced diagnostic procedures
- Precision genomics
- Clinical trials for emerging treatments
- Expert colorectal surgeons
- Liver surgeons who specialize in metastatic disease
- Nutrition support from specialized oncology dieticians
- Interventional radiologists with expertise in liver-directed therapies
- Fertility and sexual health support
- Psychosocial and emotional support
- Oncology nurse coordinators for additional patient support
- MOVE program (Multidisciplinary Oncology Vitality and Exercise Program)
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Genetic testing and counseling
- Community events to raise awareness
- Ostomy care
- Support group
In addition, we are actively engaged in research studies to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal cancers, and to support patients and their families throughout cancer treatment and survivorship. Any patient may be considered for consideration in a research study, and there are many ways for patients to get involved. Our team of doctors directly works with patients to identify if there is a trial that is a good fit for a patient.
Learn more about clinical trials.
