Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Program

At UCSF Health, we specialize in treating colon and rectal cancer in young adults. Our dedicated program offers leading care from experts in:

• Gastrointestinal medical oncology
• Colorectal surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Interventional radiology
• Integrative oncology
• Gastroenterology

We work closely with each other and with you to design a personalized 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.

Why choose UCSF Health for young-onset colorectal cancer care?

We understand the unique medical, emotional and social needs of people with young-onset colorectal cancer, also called early-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.

You can expect:

• 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, and advance research and treatments.
• 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 offer services to promote whole-person well-being and help you live fully after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
• Personalized cancer treatment. Our team works to find the combination of treatments that will be most effective for you. You also have access to clinical trials and innovative therapies.

Treatments for young-onset colorectal cancer

We use the latest therapies and surgical approaches to treat colorectal cancer, including:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

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 physical therapy and 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 program, including innovative medications and treatment combinations. After you finish cancer treatment, we provide active surveillance to monitor you in case the cancer comes back (recurs).

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 options, which may include:

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
• Fertility preservation surgery
• 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:

• Career and finances
• Family well-being (including support for children)
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Insurance issues

We also host support groups and community events where you can connect with other young adults with a gastrointestinal 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.

To learn more about this program and receive regular updates about our services and events, subscribe to our newsletter by emailing [email protected].