Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer
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Why choose UCSF Health for young-onset colorectal cancer care?
At UCSF Health, we understand the unique medical, emotional and social needs of people with young-onset colorectal cancer. A cancer diagnosis during these years often intersects with personal, professional, and life goals. It affects families as well as individuals.
Our research team is working to understand what's causing a rise in young-onset colorectal cancer and using that knowledge to develop new therapies and screening strategies.
Our program is part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, a nationally top-ranked cancer program. This collaboration unites pioneering clinical trials and premier care, giving you access to cancer therapies and surgical techniques that may not be widely available yet.
We offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments and tailored support services to help you manage the challenges of colorectal cancer in all phases of care.
Why choose UCSF Health for young-onset colorectal cancer care?
At UCSF Health, we understand the unique medical, emotional and social needs of people with young-onset colorectal cancer. A cancer diagnosis during these years often intersects with personal, professional, and life goals. It affects families as well as individuals.
Our research team is working to understand what's causing a rise in young-onset colorectal cancer and using that knowledge to develop new therapies and screening strategies.
Our program is part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, a nationally top-ranked cancer program. This collaboration unites pioneering clinical trials and premier care, giving you access to cancer therapies and surgical techniques that may not be widely available yet.
We offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments and tailored support services to help you manage the challenges of colorectal cancer in all phases of care.
Specialized care for young-onset colorectal cancer
As the first program on the West Coast dedicated to caring for young adults with colorectal cancer, we aim to grow awareness, advanced research, and personalize treatment.Collaborative cancer experts
Your team of cancer experts, including medical oncologists and surgeons, works together to create a coordinated treatment plan.Holistic support services for young adults
We promote whole-person wellbeing and support living fully after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.Convenient locations
You can receive outpatient infusion therapy at one of our conveniently located infusion centers.
Young-onset colorectal cancer care at UCSF Health
At UCSF Health, we specialize in treating colon and rectal cancer in young adults. Our dedicated program offers leading care from experts in:
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Gastrointestinal oncology
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Colorectal surgery
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Surgical oncology
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Radiation oncology
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Interventional radiology
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Integrative oncology
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Gastroenterology
We diagnose and treat all stages of colorectal cancer in adults under 50. Our team works closely with each other and with you to design a values-based treatment plan that targets the cancer using the most effective therapies available.
You also work with a patient navigator, a dedicated health care professional who guides you through the treatment process. Your navigator helps manage appointments, access resources and coordinate your care so you can focus on healing.
Treatments for young-onset colorectal cancer
We use the latest therapies and surgical approaches to treat colorectal cancer, including:
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Chemotherapy
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Immunotherapy
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Radiation therapy
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Surgery (including minimally invasive options)
Your treatment plan may involve a combination of therapies to target the cancer and help you feel your best. Your care plan may also include rehabilitation services, such as pelvic floor therapy, as well as integrative medicine services and nutrition counseling.
You may also have access to new therapies through our cancer clinical trials program and cancer immunotherapy service, including innovative medications and treatment combinations.
Active surveillance
Active surveillance includes regular screening and imaging to watch slow-growing cancer. If you're at low risk, we may recommend this proactive strategy to minimize cancer treatment side effects while enabling us to quickly catch any changes. If we detect a change, we can switch to a more active treatment approach.
Genetic counseling and testing for young-onset colorectal cancer
Some genetic conditions may cause young-onset colorectal cancer. After a colorectal cancer diagnosis, we offer genetic counseling and testing to identify potential hereditary risk factors.
If you test positive for a hereditary cancer syndrome, UCSF Health's hereditary cancer specialists provide individualized support for you and your family.
Fertility preservation options
Cancer treatments can affect fertility. Our fertility preservation program helps you understand your fertility preservation options, which may include:
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Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
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Fertility preservation surgery
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Sperm cryopreservation (sperm banking)
Support services
A young-onset colorectal cancer diagnosis affects every area of your life. Our social workers, psychologists and counselors help you navigate:
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Career and finances
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Family well-being (including support for children)
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Sexual and reproductive health
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Insurance issues
We also host support groups and community events where you can connect with other young adults with an intestinal cancer diagnosis.
Comprehensive follow-up care
Many of our specialists offer virtual care options for California residents, so you can connect to your care team without traveling.
Providers
Luai Al Rabadi, MD
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology
Chloe Atreya, MD, PhD
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology
Guus Bol, MD, PhD
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology
Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology
Colon cancer treatment during pregnancy
Awards & achievements
1st
young-onset colorectal cancer program on the West Coast
Rated high-performing hospital for colon cancer surgery
Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
Designated comprehensive cancer center
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
Treatments
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Cancer Immunotherapy
- Cancer Rehabilitation
- Colostomy
- Complementary Medicine
- Gait Therapies
- Genetic Counseling
- Genetic Testing
- Nutritional Counseling
Accreditations & memberships
Commission on Cancer
UCSF Health's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world's top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF Health a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.