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The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Johns Hopkins Colorectal Cancer

Specialized Care for Patients Under 50

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center

Receiving a cancer diagnosis at a young age can be overwhelming. At Johns Hopkins, we understand the unique challenges faced by patients under 50 with colorectal cancer. That’s why we created the Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center to provide:

  • Leading-edge treatments backed by the latest research
  • Expert, compassionate care from specialists who focus on young-onset colorectal cancer
  • Personalized support to help patients navigate treatment and life beyond diagnosis

Our team is committed to treating the whole patient, not just the disease.

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Why Are Colorectal Cancer Cases Rising in Younger Adults?

Over the past two decades, colorectal cancer rates have risen sharply among adults under 50. While traditional risk factors such as family history, diets high in red meat, obesity, and lack of exercise play a role, researchers are still working to understand why cases are increasing in younger people.

At Johns Hopkins, we are at the forefront of this research, seeking answers to help improve early detection, treatment, and prevention for future generations. We are committed to providing the best possible outcomes with the least disruption to your life.

Latest Podcast Unlock the latest insights on KRAS mutations and cancer advancements

Click below to listen to the latest 'Cancer Matters' with Dr. Bill Nelson and Dr. Nilo Azad today!

Listen To The Podcast

Understanding Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults 

Watch on YouTube -
Click Here To Learn More

What sets us apartWhy Choose Johns Hopkins for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

At Johns Hopkins, we take a team-based, personalized approach to colorectal cancer care, bringing together specialists to provide the most advanced treatments available.
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Advanced Treatment Options for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Your treatment plan is carefully designed to fit your individual needs. Our specialists work together to ensure you have the most effective, least invasive treatment options available, along with comprehensive support services to guide you through every step of your care. Depending on your diagnosis, our team may recommend:

  • Minimally invasive surgery to remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue
  • Personalized chemotherapy plans based on your tumor’s specific characteristics
  • Immunotherapy and targeted treatments to attack cancer cells more effectively
  • Radiation therapy, including intraoperative radiation therapy for targeted treatment
  • Using latest and ongoing research to try and minimize future chronic complications through radiation and surgery sparing approaches.
  • Engagement with nutritionists for maximum support
  • Involvement of familial and financial impacts of YO-CRC with resources for employment, financial and social support for patients, their spouses and their children
  • Pain and palliative care expertise to optimize symptom control
  • Genetic experts to diagnose and manage risk in patients and their family members.

Meet Our Expert Colorectal Cancer Care Team

Our team of world-class specialists is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care. You’ll be supported by leading colorectal surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, and fertility preservation experts who work together to create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

colorectal surgery - image of Nicole Cowell

Nicole Cowell, R.N.
Nurse Navigator

As a Nurse Navigator, Nicole is dedicated to empowering patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey. She works tirelessly to ensure a smoother, more informed, and supportive experience for each patient. Whether you are facing a new diagnosis or managing an ongoing condition, Nicole is here to help you navigate your options with confidence and compassion.

Colorectal Surgery

  • John Migaly, MD

    • Chief, Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery

    Expertise: Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Andrea Chao Bafford, MD

    Expertise: Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Primary Location: Medical Arts Building - Columbia, Columbia, MD

  • Peter A. Najjar, MD MBA

    • Vice President of Clinical Innovation, Johns Hopkins Health System

    Expertise: Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Alodia Gabre-Kidan, MD MPH

    • Clerkship Director, Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

    Expertise: Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Maria Kiely, BMBCh MPH

    Expertise: Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Colorectal Surgery at Arlington, Arlington, VA

  • Ada Elizabeth Graham, MD

    Expertise: Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda, Bethesda, MD

Medical Oncology

  • Nilo Azad, MD

    • Associate Director, Clinical Research

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Eric Christenson, MD

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Daniel Laheru, MD

    • Co-Director, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreas Cancer Clinical Research and Patient Care

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, Lutherville, MD

  • Ross C. Donehower, MD

    • Director, Medical Oncology/Hematology Fellowship Training Program

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, Lutherville, MD

  • Dung Le, MD

    • Bloomberg~Kimmel Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Mike J. Pishvaian, MD PhD

    • Director of Gastrointestinal, Developmental Therapeutics and Clinical Research Programs

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC

  • Valerie Lee, MD

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC

  • Ana De Jesus-Acosta, MD

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Katie Bever, MD

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Neeha Zaidi, MD

    Expertise: Medical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

Radiation Oncology

  • Jeffrey Meyer, MD MS

    Expertise: Radiation Oncology

    Primary Location: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Amol K. Narang, MD

    • Vice Chair of Clinical Operations

    Expertise: Radiation Oncology

    Primary Location: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

Hepatobiliary Surgeons

  • Kelly Jeanne Lafaro, MD MPH

    Expertise: Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Chris Shubert, MD MSHA

    Expertise: Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • William Burns, MD

    Expertise: Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Jin He, MD PhD

    • Division Chief, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology

    Expertise: Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Richard Andrew Burkhart, MD

    • Paul K. Neumann Professorship in Pancreatic Surgery

    Expertise: Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Gabriel David Ivey, MD

    Expertise: Surgical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

    Primary Location: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC

  • Marco Dal Molin, MD

    Expertise: Surgical Oncology

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

Fertility Preservation

  • Rebecca Lynn Stone, MD MS

    • Director, The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service

    Expertise: Gynecologic Oncology, Gynecology

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • James Segars, MD

    • Director, Division of Reproductive Science and Women’s Health Research

    Expertise: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Gynecology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, Lutherville, MD

  • Valerie Lynn Baker, MD MPP

    • Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

    Expertise: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Gynecology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, Lutherville, MD

Gastroenterology

Our gastroenterology team offers access to expedited screening and work up, longitudinal surveillance, and advanced gastroenterology techniques such as endoscopic resection.  We have expert providers across all of our locations throughout Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metro area that can be found on our website linked here

  • Reezwana Chowdhury, MD

    Expertise: Gastroenterology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Endoscopy & Surgery Center - Columbia, Columbia, MD

  • Zachariah H. Foda, MD PhD

    Expertise: Gastroenterology

    Primary Location: Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

Advanced Practice Providers

  • Katie Braid
  • Michelle Knox
  • Victoria Macquilliam
  • Carol Kwik
  • Nicole Cowell
  • Rachel Klein
  • Allison Uzupus
  • Keith McIntyre
  • Paige Griffith
  • Amy Ryan

Support Services: Genetic Counseling, Fertility, Nutrition & More

A cancer diagnosis in your 20s, 30s, or 40s brings unique concerns beyond treatment. At Johns Hopkins, we offer a full range of support services to help you navigate life during and after cancer treatment, including:

You are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Colorectal Cancer Research and Clinical Trials at Johns Hopkins

As a leading research institution, Johns Hopkins is actively investigating the causes of young-onset colorectal cancer and developing new treatments to improve survival rates.

Clinical Trials: Access to the Latest Treatment

We offer a variety of clinical trials that test emerging therapies and advanced technologies, which may be more effective than standard treatments. We also collaborate with top institutions to give patients more opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research. Ask your treatment team about available clinical trials early on.

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