What is the recommended age for colon cancer screening?

For most people at average risk, colon cancer screening should begin at age 45. If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting earlier.

What happens during a colonoscopy procedure?

During a colonoscopy procedure, your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your colon. Polyps can often be removed during the same procedure, helping prevent cancer before it starts.

Is colorectal cancer treatable?

Yes. Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable, especially when detected early. With advanced colorectal cancer treatment options and a coordinated care team, many patients experience positive outcomes.

What are the early signs of colorectal cancer?

Early stages may not cause symptoms, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort or unexplained weight loss.

What can I do to lower my colorectal cancer risk?

You can lower your risk by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco and keeping up with recommended screenings.

Colorectal cancer | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Our approach

As a trusted provider in the greater Charleston area, we offer advanced colon cancer screening, innovative treatment options, and access to internationally recognized colorectal surgeons. Whether you’re coming in for a routine colonoscopy or navigating a new diagnosis, our team provides clear guidance, coordinated care, and steady support at every step.

What you need to know about colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common, and most preventable, cancers when detected early.

Our team provides thoughtful, thorough evaluations and personalized care plans designed around your needs for a wide range of conditions, including:

Colon cancer
Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Precancerous polyps
Rectal cancer

Colon cancer is the country’s second leading cause of cancer death, but the good news is this cancer is often preventable and highly treatable if caught early.

By understanding the full picture of your health, we’re able to detect concerns earlier, personalize your care and guide you toward the most effective treatment path. Taking the first step toward screening can feel daunting, but it’s also one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Colorectal cancer often begins as small growths called polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. When colon and rectal cancers are found early, there is almost a 90% chance of a cure. Most adults should begin screening at age 45, or earlier, with increased risk.

We use several tests to screen for or diagnose colorectal cancer, including:

Colonoscopy
Digital rectal exam
Fecal tests, including occult blood test(FOBT), immunohistochemical test (FIT)or DNA test (Cologuard)
Sigmoidoscopy

If polyps are found, we offer:

Biopsy to confirm whether cancer is present
Imaging such as CT, MRI or double contrast barium enema (DCBE)to understand if cancer has spread

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, our multidisciplinary team carefully reviews your case and designs a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Your care should feel as personal as it is precise. That’s why we tailor every colorectal cancer treatment plan to reflect your unique needs, preferences and goals. Treatment depends on several factors, particularly the stage of the cancer, how far it has progressed and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

In many cases, surgery is the primary treatment, often combined with additional therapies to ensure the best possible outcome. Depending on your diagnosis, your care may include:

Adjuvant chemotherapy
Chemoprophylaxis to prevent future colorectal cancers
Polypectomy
Radiation therapy when appropriate
Surgical resection (removal) of part of the colon or rectum, most often without a permanent colostomy

If the cancer is advanced or recurs, treatment may include:

Biological therapy
Chemotherapy
Interventional techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, chemo or radioembolization (TrueBeam®)
Surgical resection

We take time to sit with you, answer your questions and guide you through each option so you can move forward with understanding, trust and peace of mind.

Advanced technology can make a meaningful difference in your healing. We’re proud to lead the region in robotic colorectal surgery, offering a more precise, minimally invasive approach that supports a smoother recovery.

This approach may offer:

Faster recovery times
Less pain and scarring
Shorter hospital stays
Smaller incisions

Our colorectal surgeons are specially trained in these advanced techniques, combining innovation with a steady, compassionate hand.

A diagnosis can affect more than your physical health. We provide guidance and support to help you navigate each phase of care with confidence, so you never feel alone in the process.

Our resources include:

Cancer prevention and screenings to help you stay proactive about your health.
Cancer survivorship program (THRIVE) to help you transition from treatment to active living
Free legal clinic to provide guidance on documents like healthcare powers of attorney and living wills
Healing Boutique offers products and services like wig fittings and comfort items
Music therapy services to reduce anxiety and support emotional healing
Smoking cessation program to provide the tools and support you need to quit tobacco

Your cancer care team

Our multidisciplinary cancer care approach brings together a dedicated team of colon cancer specialists in Charleston who are deeply committed to listening, guiding and supporting you through every stage of care.

Colorectal surgeons
Medical oncologists
Nurse navigators and support teams
Radiologists and pathologists
Radiation oncologists

Accepting New Patients
Brian Lingerfelt, MD

Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Douglas Michaelsen, MD

Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Cutaneous (Skin) Medical Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology, Sarcoma Medical Oncology
Bradley DePaoli, MD

Radiation Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Gabriel Chedister, MD

Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

4.8 of 5 stars
Annette Cruz, PAC

Radiation Oncology
Brian Beaty, MD

Radiation Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Charles S. Holladay, MD

Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology, Sarcoma Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Shelly Shand, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology, Benign Hematology, Hematology Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cutaneous (Skin) Medical Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
George Geils Jr., MD

Blood and Marrow Transplant, Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Ashley Jeter, MD

Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hematology Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cutaneous (Skin) Medical Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Stephen Ramey Sr., MD

Radiation Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Stanley Wilson, MD

Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, General Surgery

5 of 5 stars
Accepting New Patients
Gene Saylors, MD

Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cutaneous (Skin) Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Daniel Kirchoff, MD

Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, Surgical Oncology

5 of 5 stars
Brandon Gates, FNP

Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Accepting New Patients
Brian Greenwell, MD

Blood and Marrow Transplant, Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Michael Hall, MD

Radiation Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Anna Matrachisia, MD

Colon and Rectal Surgery

4.7 of 5 stars
Accepting New Patients
Jorge Lagares-Garcia, MD

Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

5 of 5 stars
Accepting New Patients
Nicholas Schmidt Jr., MD

Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hematology Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Anthony Firilas, MD

Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

4.8 of 5 stars
Accepting New Patients
Julia Saylors, MD

Hematology Oncology, Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cutaneous (Skin) Medical Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Bernardo Franssen Canovas, MD

Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, Surgical Oncology

4.9 of 5 stars
Heather Inch, AGACNP-BC

Colon and Rectal Surgery

Colorectal cancer care locations

We know that comfort matters, not just in care, but in where you receive it. That’s why we offer colorectal cancer treatment at convenient locations throughout the greater Charleston area, helping you access expert care close to home and close to the people who support you.

Related services & specialties

Gastrointestinal cancer

Comprehensive care for cancer of the digestive system; including the esophagus, stomach, liver, colon and rectum cancer.
Urologic cancer

Comprehensive care for urologic cancers, including kidney, bladder and testicular cancers.
Pancreatic cancer

Expert pancreatic cancer care with advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment.

Take your next step toward colon health

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable with screening, and early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Connect with us for more information.

Find a provider Find a location

For referrals outside of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, please call or fax us at: (844) 975-6683. If you are within the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system, please call or use Epic.