Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Clinic
At the University of Colorado, we have a dedicated treatment and research program for young adults with colorectal cancer. This program is important because young patients with colorectal cancer have unique issues, both related to their cancer diagnosis and the impact of their cancer treatment.
In the United States, more than one-tenth of all patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (11% of colon cancers and 18% of rectal cancers) have a young onset (before age 50). Typically, routine screenings do not begin till age 50, which means that key symptoms often go unrecognized. This may be one reason that colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing in individuals younger than 50, even as they decline for older adults.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer under the age of 50, there are significant differences between your situation and that of a patient in his/her 70s or 80s. The individualized treatment plan our providers create for you may be quite different from those of older patients.
Impact of cancer treatment on your life
There are some unique challenges that those diagnosed and going through treatment under age 50 may encounter, including:
- Relationships with family and friends
- Impact on young children
- Fertility issues
- Dating and intimacy issues
- Career/workplace issues
- Financial issues
- Psychological stressors
We will support you in all of these areas throughout your course of treatment. We are committed to a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to young patients with colorectal cancer, giving you the opportunity to meet with the following team of professionals:
Patient stories
Katy Davenport (above, with Dr. Chris Lieu) was blindsided by a diagnosis of Stage-3 colon cancer in her early 30s. Fortunately, a friend's advice led her to contact our cancer center. Read Katy's story
Gloria Northrup (above, with her husband, Matthew) was busy raising two young boys when stomach pain brought her to the ER. When she learned that she had colon cancer, with additional masses in her liver and left lung, she feared she would never get to see her sons grow up. Now, she is looking forward to the future. Read Gloria's story
| Service | Provider(s) |
|---|---|
Colorectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic Medical Oncology Surgical Oncology Radiation Oncology Interventional Radiology Pathology | Multidisciplinary Clinic Coordinator: See Your Medical Team for detailed information on the surgeons and oncologists who will collaborate on your care. |
Hereditary Cancers Clinic (Genetics) | Lisen Axell, MS, CGC |
Nutrition | Colleen Gill, RD, CSO |
Nurse Navigator | Julie Banahan, RN, BSN, OCN |
Social Work | Michelle Bunch, LCSW |
Counseling and Psychological Support | Laura Melton, PhD, ABPP |
OncoFertility | Serena Dovey, MD |
Exercise and Wellness (Fit2BWell Program) | Rebecca Stark, MS |
Integrative and Alternative Medicine | Lisa Corbin, MD |
Call 720-848-0714 to schedule a consultation with our team.