Typical Patient Journeys: Pancreatic Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Rectal Cancer

Your providers will tailor a screening and treatment plan specifically for you. Here are examples of common screening and treatment paths for:

Pancreatic cancer patient journey

If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or have a mass suspected to be cancer, you can expect to follow most of these steps.

Step 1: Imaging

You will have a triple-phase CT or, less commonly, an MRI study that shows a mass in the pancreas.

Step 2: Information gathering

Our tumor board gathers and reviews all imaging studies, physician notes, biopsies, and test results. The tumor board is a team of:

  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Surgical oncologists
  • Nutrition specialists
  • Palliative care physicians

They review your CT or MRI scans to gather critical information about the tumor. They determine if there is any evidence of cancer spread to other organs.

Step 3: Biopsy

The biopsy is a critical initial step in the tumor board's evaluation. There are many benign (non-cancerous) masses that can look like cancer. There are also different types of pancreatic cancer with differing treatment approaches.

  • If you already had a biopsy, one of our pathologists will review it to confirm the diagnosis.
  • If you have not had a biopsy, we refer you to gastroenterology for an endoscopic ultrasound. An endoscopic ultrasound is a test that combines a camera and an ultrasound probe.

Step 4: The treatment plan is determined

Treatment plans vary depending on your diagnosis and the stage of your cancer. Our multidisciplinary team determines how best to individualize your care and treatment plan.

  • If you have "localized" pancreatic cancer, you will be treated by our team in the Pancreas Tumor Clinic. We may recommend chemotherapy and chemoradiation therapy before surgery. You will learn about the full advantages of the Pancreas Tumor Clinic on the day of your appointment.
  • If you have suspected "metastatic" pancreatic cancer, you will be treated by our medical oncology clinic. They meet with gastrointestinal oncologists and palliative care specialists to discuss treatment options, which may include:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Targeted therapies
    • Immunotherapies
    • Clinical trials

You will meet with all the providers involved in your care. We coordinate your visits at one location for efficiency. You'll gain a clear understanding of your treatment plans and set a date for your first treatment or surgery.

Colon and rectal cancer patient journey

If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer or rectal cancer, you can expect to follow most of these steps.

Step 1: Biopsy

A pathologist looks at your biopsy specimen under the microscope and notifies your doctor of the results.

Step 2: A gastroenterologist or surgeon calls or meets with you to explain your diagnosis

If you have your biopsy during a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist or surgeon who did the biopsy tells you the results.

If you have a needle biopsy, the doctor who ordered it will tell you the results. This is done at an appointment or by phone.

Step 3: The treatment plan is determined

Treatment plans vary depending on your diagnosis and the stage of your cancer.

You will meet with members of your team to determine the best treatment plan. This may include meetings with a colorectal surgeon, a medical oncologist, or both.

If you have rectal cancer, you may also meet with a radiation oncologist. You will have the chance to ask questions, evaluate options, and work with your team to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Step 4: Surgery and recovery (if applicable)

If you are going to have surgery, your surgeon and the surgical nurse will provide information about your surgery appointment, what to expect at the hospital, and what your recovery will be like.

You may be referred to a medical oncologist after your surgery, depending on the findings at the time of surgery.

Step 5: Chemotherapy begins (if applicable)

If you are going to have chemotherapy, your appointments are scheduled after you meet with the medical oncologist.

Step 6: Periodic follow-up by a surgeon or an oncologist

After you finish initial treatment, you are closely followed by your care team. How often you are seen depends, in part, on your individual situation.

Palliative care

Palliative care is also available. We are dedicated to ensuring that you are comfortable and maintain the best possible quality of life during your care.

Palliative care addresses not only physical needs, but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of patients and families.