Duke can help prevent gastrointestinal cancer as well as treat it. 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer death in the United States. An estimated 106,700 people are diagnosed with colon cancer and 42,000 with rectal cancer in the United States each year. An estimated 55,000 Americans are expected to die from both this year.

In almost all cases, however, this disease is entirely treatable if caught early by colonoscopy.

Incidence rates for colorectal cancer have declined slightly over the past 20 years. Research suggests that the decline may be due to increased screening and removal of polyps, which are growths that can progress to cancer.

In addition to providing regular screening for colon cancer through conventional colonoscopies, Duke abdominal imagers have pioneered a simpler, less invasive screening method called "virtual colonoscopy," a method that uses a CT scanner to look at the colon, rather than a scope.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Morse, Michael A.
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Colon and Rectal Surgery
  Duke Clinic 2B, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710
• Morris Cancer Clinic
  Morris Building, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710