Colorectal Care Center - Dignity Health - Glendale Memorial Hospital

Our colorectal surgeons and other specialists evaluate and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, such as:

• Colorectal cancer

• Crohn's disease

• Diverticulitis

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Ulcerative colitis 

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The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing it, including:

• Age 45 and older

• Certain lifestyle factors, including obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and heavy alcohol use

• Genetics, including genetic syndromes and gene mutations

• History of colon polyps or cancer

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

If you have an average risk for colorectal cancer, routine colorectal cancer screening often begins around age 45. If your risk is higher, your health care provider may recommend starting screening earlier or having it more frequently.

For more information or to schedule a screening appointment, call the Colorectal Care Center at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center at (818) 244-8161.

The Colorectal Care Center at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center offers several screening tests that can help detect colorectal cancer, including:

• Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy: These tests allow your doctor to examine the inside of your rectum and colon.

• CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy: This nonsurgical imaging test creates a 3D view of your colon and rectum.

• Double-contrast barium enema: This X-ray test highlights the lining of your colon and rectum.

• Stool blood test: These tests check for hidden blood in your stool.

There are often no signs or symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer. When signs and symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Rectal bleeding

• Very dark or bloody stool

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Anemia, or low red blood cell count

• Feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement

• Weakness or tiredness

• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, narrowing of the stool or changes in consistency

Other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, can have similar symptoms. It’s important to see your doctor for the right diagnosis.

Yes. The Colorectal Care Center at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, offering advanced robot-assisted surgery options for colorectal surgery. This minimally invasive approach offers greater precision and control, and may result in:

• Shorter recovery times

• Reduced risk of complications

• Less pain and scarring

• Smaller incisions

To learn more about our surgical care for colorectal cancer, please call (818) 244-8161.

Yes. Some insurance plans let you schedule directly with a specialist. Others may require a referral from your primary care provider (PCP). If you’re unsure, please call the Colorectal Care Center at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center at (818) 244-8161. Our team can help you understand the next steps.

The cost for your visit varies based on your health insurance coverage and what services are provided during your appointment. Many people pay a copay, while others may have costs related to tests or screenings. If you have questions, you can reach our staff at (818) 244-8161. We can help you understand possible charges before your appointment.

The Colorectal Care Center at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center accepts many major health insurance plans. To make sure you have access to the care you need, we recommend confirming your insurance coverage, eligibility and benefits with your health plan provider before your visit. If you have questions about the plans we accept, please call our office at (818) 244-8161.