Bowel Cancer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Bowel cancer—often called colorectal cancer when it affects the colon or rectum—is one of the most common cancers in adults. In Grand Rapids, MI, residents have access to high-quality screening, diagnosis, and treatment through leading health systems like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health.

Understanding bowel cancer, recognizing early symptoms, and using local screening resources can significantly improve outcomes for people living in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan area.

What Is Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer?

Bowel cancer is a cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Most bowel cancers begin as small growths called polyps on the inner lining of the bowel. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous.

In Michigan and across the United States, colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when found early through screening colonoscopies and other tests.

Who Is at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone can develop bowel cancer, but certain factors increase risk. Some are related to age and genetics, while others relate to lifestyle and environment—many of which are relevant to life in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region.

Common Risk Factors

  • Age 45 and older
    Risk increases with age. Many guidelines now recommend screening starting at age 45.

  • Family history of bowel cancer or polyps
    Having a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps increases your risk.

  • Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
    Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease raise risk.

  • Lifestyle factors

    • Diet high in red and processed meats
    • Low intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
    • Lack of regular physical activity
    • Obesity (a growing concern in Michigan)
    • Smoking and heavy alcohol use

Local Considerations in West Michigan

  • Sedentary habits during long winters
    Grand Rapids’ cold, snowy winters can reduce outdoor activity, which may contribute to weight gain and lower physical activity—both risk factors for bowel cancer.

  • Diet patterns
    Traditional Midwestern diets high in processed meats, fried foods, and low in fiber can increase risk. Choosing fresh produce from local farmers’ markets, like the Fulton Street Farmers Market, can help support a healthier, fiber-rich diet.

  • Racial and ethnic disparities
    In Michigan, Black residents have higher rates of colorectal cancer and are often diagnosed at later stages. Access to early screening in Grand Rapids’ diverse neighborhoods is especially important.

Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. This is why screening is critical, even if you feel well. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Ongoing change in bowel habits

    • Diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools than usual
    • Feeling that you have not completely emptied your bowel

  • Blood in the stool

    • Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet
    • Dark, tarry stools

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Persistent abdominal discomfort

    • Cramping, gas, or pain

  • Fatigue or weakness

    • Sometimes due to anemia from slow internal bleeding

  • A lump or mass in the abdomen or rectal area

If you live in Grand Rapids or surrounding Kent County and notice any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, contact your primary care provider or a local gastroenterologist at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or University of Michigan Health-West for evaluation.

How Is Bowel Cancer Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment. In Grand Rapids, bowel cancer is typically diagnosed using a combination of:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

Your provider will ask about:

  • Symptoms and how long they’ve been present
  • Family and personal medical history
  • Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, alcohol, activity level)

A physical exam may include a digital rectal exam to check for masses or blood.

2. Screening and Diagnostic Tests

Grand Rapids residents have access to modern colorectal screening options through local health systems and clinics.

Colonoscopy

  • The most common and accurate test
  • A flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the entire colon and rectum
  • Polyps can often be removed during the same procedure
  • Available at major centers like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other local endoscopy centers

Other Screening Options

  • Stool-based tests

    • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
    • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
    • Stool DNA tests
      These can be done at home and sent to a lab. Abnormal results require follow-up colonoscopy.

  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
    Examines the lower part of the colon; less commonly used as a primary test now.

  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
    Uses CT imaging to view the colon; available in some Grand Rapids imaging centers.

3. Imaging and Staging

If cancer is found, additional tests help determine how advanced it is:

  • CT scans of the abdomen, pelvis, and sometimes chest
  • MRI, especially for rectal cancer
  • Blood tests, including tumor markers like CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)

These services are widely available at major Grand Rapids hospitals and imaging centers.

Bowel Cancer Staging

Staging describes how far the cancer has spread:

  • Stage 0–I: Very early cancer, limited to the inner layers of the colon or rectum
  • Stage II: Cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum but not to lymph nodes
  • Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs

Stage helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis.

Treatment Options in Grand Rapids, MI

Residents of Grand Rapids benefit from comprehensive colorectal cancer care, including multidisciplinary cancer teams at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other local systems.

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health.

Surgery

Surgery is often the main treatment for bowel cancer, especially in early stages.

  • Polypectomy or local excision
    For very early cancers or precancerous polyps removed during colonoscopy.

  • Partial colectomy
    Removal of the part of the colon containing the cancer, plus nearby lymph nodes.

  • Rectal cancer surgery
    May require specialized procedures to preserve bowel function and, when possible, avoid permanent colostomy.

These surgeries are performed at major Grand Rapids hospitals with colorectal and general surgeons experienced in cancer care.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used:

  • After surgery (adjuvant therapy) to reduce the risk of recurrence
  • Before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) for some rectal cancers
  • For advanced or metastatic cancer to control disease and relieve symptoms

Most Grand Rapids cancer centers offer outpatient chemotherapy, allowing patients to receive treatment close to home.

Radiation Therapy

Often used for rectal cancer, radiation can:

  • Shrink tumors before surgery
  • Reduce the risk of local recurrence
  • Help manage symptoms in advanced disease

Radiation therapy services are available at local cancer centers across Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Targeted and Immunotherapy

For certain types of advanced colorectal cancer, newer treatments may be used:

  • Targeted therapies that attack specific cancer cell markers
  • Immunotherapy for cancers with particular genetic features (such as MSI-H or mismatch repair deficiency)

Oncology teams in Grand Rapids can perform the necessary genetic and molecular testing to determine if these treatments are appropriate.

Living With and Beyond Bowel Cancer in Grand Rapids

Follow-Up Care

After treatment, regular follow-up is essential:

  • Physical exams and symptom review
  • Periodic blood tests (including CEA)
  • Follow-up colonoscopies
  • Imaging tests when needed

Your care team will create a surveillance plan tailored to your situation.

Supportive Resources in Grand Rapids

Local resources can help patients and families cope with diagnosis and treatment:

  • Hospital-based cancer support programs

    • Corewell Health Cancer Center
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids oncology services
    • University of Michigan Health-West cancer programs

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Information on cancer prevention, screening programs, and local public health initiatives

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community organizations

    • Nutrition counseling, smoking cessation programs, and exercise programs
    • Support groups for cancer patients and caregivers

Ask your oncology team for referrals to social workers, dietitians, and mental health professionals who specialize in cancer care.

Preventing Bowel Cancer: Steps for Grand Rapids Residents

While not all bowel cancers can be prevented, many cases can be reduced or detected early with healthy habits and regular screening.

1. Get Screened on Time

  • Most adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45
  • Those with a strong family history may need to start earlier
  • Talk to your primary care provider at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Mercy Health, or UM Health-West about which test is right for you

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

  • Choose high-fiber foods:

    • Whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat)
    • Fruits and vegetables (take advantage of local Michigan produce)
    • Beans and legumes

  • Limit:

    • Red and processed meats
    • Fried and highly processed foods
    • Sugary drinks

3. Stay Active Year-Round

Grand Rapids’ winters can make outdoor exercise challenging, but regular activity is important:

  • Use indoor options:
    • Local gyms and community centers
    • Home exercise routines or online classes
    • Walking at malls or indoor tracks

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Work with your provider or a local dietitian to develop a realistic plan for weight management, especially if you struggle with winter weight gain.

5. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol

  • Quit smoking with support from local cessation programs offered through Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids health systems.
  • Limit alcohol to moderate levels (or avoid it altogether).

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you:

  • Notice blood in your stool or on toilet paper
  • Have ongoing changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
  • Experience unexplained weight loss or fatigue
  • Have persistent abdominal pain or cramping

You can start with your primary care provider or schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

If you do not have a regular doctor, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can help connect you to local clinics and screening programs.

Key Takeaways for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Bowel (colorectal) cancer is common but often preventable and highly treatable when found early.
  • Screening saves lives. Many Grand Rapids hospitals and clinics offer colonoscopy and stool-based tests.
  • Lifestyle choices matter. A healthy diet, regular activity (even during long Michigan winters), not smoking, and limiting alcohol can reduce risk.
  • Local support is available. From major cancer centers to community health programs, Grand Rapids offers strong resources for prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area and have questions about bowel cancer screening or symptoms, schedule an appointment with a local healthcare provider to discuss your risk and the best next steps.