Colon, Pancreatic & Gastrointestinal Cancers

If you’re diagnosed with cancer in your digestive system, rest assured that Cone Health’s team of specialized doctors and other experts will fight for your well-being. Join hundreds of your neighbors who get excellent care from us for gastrointestinal cancers each year.

Recognized for High-Quality Care

When you choose Cone Health, you not only get access to accredited cancer care, but you also get high-quality, specialized digestive health services. You can trust us because:

• Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital is ranked high performing in colon cancer surgery by U.S. News and World Report (2024-2025).
• Wesley Long Hospital is recognized as a unit of excellence by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. That means you’ll benefit from specially trained staff who follow strict measures to help prevent infection and ensure accurate results of your endoscopy—a test that looks inside the digestive tract.

Gastrointestinal Cancers We Treat

Find care at Cone Health for many cancers of the digestive tract, including:

• Anal cancer
• Appendix cancer
• Colon cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Small intestine cancer
• Stomach cancer

Caring, Interdisciplinary Team

After your cancer diagnosis, a multidisciplinary team meets regularly to review your current health and develop a personalized, well-rounded treatment plan. Partner with a nurse navigator for help understanding your options, coordinating medical appointments, and accessing resources for you and your family.

Treating Digestive Cancers

Depending on your specific condition and situation, your care team may recommend one or more of these treatments:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

Learn more about cancer treatments at Cone Health Cancer Center.

Whipple Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer

If you have a pancreatic tumor in just the head of the organ, the Whipple procedure at Cone Health could help you live longer. This complex surgery—typically available only at major teaching hospitals—removes the cancerous part of your pancreas and some nearby healthy tissue and organs. Afterward, the surgeon sews your digestive tract back together. Your surgeon may perform this procedure using a minimally invasive technique that speeds your recovery.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for Rectal Cancer

You may benefit from transanal endoscopic microsurgery, a minimally invasive way to remove rectal tumors without a surgical incision. This approach—available from a limited number of health care providers—reduces postoperative bleeding and recovery time.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Trials

Ask your doctor whether you qualify for a cancer clinical trial that evaluates a promising experimental approach to care. If you decide to participate in a clinical trial, you gain access to a treatment or test that’s not yet widely available.

Support & Survivorship

Throughout your cancer care journey, lean on Cone Health for support and wellness services that address your family’s social, emotional, spiritual and financial well-being.