Colorectal Cancer Treatment in West Virginia
Colorectal cancer patients often face the challenge of precisely targeting tumors without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.
This is where the TrueBeam system excels. TrueBeam offers advanced imaging and precise radiation delivery, ensuring that the treatment is both effective and minimally invasive.
At CAMC Radiation Oncology, our expert team utilizes the TrueBeam system to provide you with accurate and personalized care, reducing side effects and improving your experience.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, parts of the body’s digestive system. It often starts as a growth called a polyp on the inner lining, which can develop into cancer over time.
Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, persistent abdominal discomfort, and rectal bleeding.
Common Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Understanding the common risk factors for colorectal cancer can help you take proactive steps in maintaining your health. Here are some factors that may increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer:
- Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50.
- Family History: Having a close relative with colorectal cancer can raise your risk.
- Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats can contribute to a higher risk.
- Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and obesity are linked to an increased risk.
- Medical History: Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can elevate risk levels.
A Game-Changer in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
TrueBeam, an advanced radiotherapy system developed by Varian Medical Systems, is revolutionizing the treatment of colorectal cancer. This FDA-approved technology delivers high doses of radiation to tumors with exceptional precision, leveraging cutting-edge imaging and treatment planning capabilities.
TrueBeam’s real-time visualization allows for accurate targeting of the tumor and surrounding anatomy, ensuring that the radiation is precisely delivered to where it is needed most.
The integration of advanced imaging and dynamic targeting ensures that the radiation beam stays focused on the tumor, even with patient movement or changes in tumor position during treatment.
How TrueBeam Benefits Colorectal Cancer Patients
- Less Chances of Rectal Bleeding: TrueBeam’s high-precision targeting ensures that radiation is focused only on the tumor, reducing the risk of damaging the surrounding rectal tissue. This minimizes the likelihood of rectal bleeding, a common symptom and side effect of traditional treatments.
- Less Gastrointestinal Discomfort: The advanced imaging and motion management technologies of TrueBeam help to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the intestines. This reduces gastrointestinal side effects such as severe diarrhea and cramping, which are often experienced with conventional radiotherapy.
- Reduced Pain and Cramping: By delivering radiation with pinpoint accuracy, TrueBeam minimizes the exposure of healthy tissues and nerves, which can lead to reduced pain and cramping compared to traditional radiotherapy methods.
- Lower Risk of Bowel Obstruction: TrueBeam’s ability to adapt to changes in tumor size and position during treatment ensures continuous precision. This adaptability helps prevent the formation of scar tissue that can lead to bowel obstructions, a potential complication of less precise treatments.
Key Advantages of Choosing CAMC Radiation Oncology
Choosing CAMC Radiation Oncology for your colorectal cancer treatment provides numerous key advantages, ensuring you receive the highest quality care in a compassionate and supportive environment:
Patient-Centered Approach: Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to your individual needs. From initial consultation through follow-up appointments, we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind, ensuring a positive treatment experience.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof: CAMC Radiation Oncology is part of the CAMC Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art facility that integrates radiation oncology with other cancer services. This means you receive coordinated, comprehensive care without the need to travel between different locations.
Focus on Quality of Life: Our goal is to not only treat your cancer but also to enhance your quality of life. We strive to minimize side effects and maintain your daily routine as much as possible during treatment.
Expert Team: Our robust team of experienced board-certified physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, navigators, nursing staff, and counselors collaborate to create personalized treatment plans. We support you every step of the way, focusing not just on treating your cancer but on your overall well-being and recovery.
Convenient Location: We bring advanced radiation services to the community, allowing you to receive high-quality cancer care close to home. This convenience reduces the stress and burden of traveling long distances for treatment, helping you stay connected to your support network.
Experience the TrueBeam Advantage for Colorectal Cancer
Take the first step toward advanced colorectal cancer treatment today.
Schedule your consultation with CAMC Radiation Oncology and start your journey to recovery with our expert team by your side.