281-647-7766
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Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Office HoursMon – Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 · Sat: 9:00 – 1:00
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 · Sat: 9:00 – 1:00
281-647-7766
Home/Cancer Types/Colorectal Cancer
Board-certified medical oncologists Dr. Shagufta Naqvi and Dr. Mohammad Riaz treat colon and rectal cancer at every stage with chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy matched to your tumor’s biomarkers, coordinated with your surgeon and radiation oncologist. We care for patients from Katy, Memorial, Sugar Land and across Greater Houston.
Overview
Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. Most cases are adenocarcinomas that develop from precancerous polyps over 10 to 15 years, which is why screening and polyp removal can prevent it. Colon and rectal cancers are grouped together but are often treated differently.
Common warning signs of colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrower stools lasting more than a few days, abdominal pain or cramping, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue from iron-deficiency anemia. Early colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms.
When to see a doctor: rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be hemorrhoids without an evaluation, especially in adults under 50, where diagnosis is often delayed.
Risk for colorectal cancer rises with age, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Lifestyle factors including obesity, physical inactivity, diets high in red and processed meat, smoking and heavy alcohol use also raise risk.
| Risk factors you cannot change | Risk factors you can influence |
|---|---|
| Older age | Excess weight and obesity |
| Family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps | Physical inactivity |
| Lynch syndrome, FAP and other inherited syndromes | Diets high in red and processed meats |
| Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease | Smoking |
| Personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer | Heavy alcohol use |
| Type 2 diabetes | Low-fiber diet |
Adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Options include colonoscopy every 10 years or stool tests such as a yearly FIT or a stool DNA test every 1 to 3 years. Any positive stool or blood test must be followed by a colonoscopy.
| Screening test | How often | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | Every 10 years if normal | Finds and removes polyps in the same procedure; the follow-up test for any abnormal result. |
| FIT (fecal immunochemical test) | Every year | At-home stool test for hidden blood. |
| Stool DNA-FIT (e.g. Cologuard) | Every 1 to 3 years | At-home test for blood and DNA changes. |
| CT colonography | Every 5 years | Imaging “virtual colonoscopy.” |
| Flexible sigmoidoscopy | Every 5 years (or 10 with yearly FIT) | Examines the lower colon only. |
People with a family history, Lynch syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease often need to start earlier and repeat more often. The American Cancer Society’s 2026 guideline update also added an FDA-approved blood-based test as an option for some adults; a positive result still requires colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer is staged from 0 to IV. Stage 0 is limited to the inner lining, stages I and II have grown into or through the wall of the colon or rectum without lymph node spread, stage III has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and stage IV has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs or peritoneum.
| Stage | What it means | Common treatment approach |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Abnormal cells only in the innermost lining (carcinoma in situ). | Removal during colonoscopy or local excision. |
| Stage I | Cancer has grown into the inner layers of the wall but not through it. | Surgery alone for colon cancer; surgery for rectal cancer, sometimes with other therapy. |
| Stage II | Cancer has grown through the wall, possibly into nearby tissue, without lymph node spread. | Surgery; chemotherapy for high-risk stage II colon cancer. Rectal cancer usually gets chemotherapy and radiation plus surgery. |
| Stage III | Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. | Colon: surgery followed by chemotherapy (FOLFOX or CAPOX). Rectal: total neoadjuvant therapy, then surgery or, in selected cases, watch-and-wait. |
| Stage IV | Spread to distant organs such as liver, lungs or the abdominal lining. | Systemic therapy matched to biomarkers; surgery or ablation of liver or lung metastases when possible, which can still be curative for some patients. |
| Stage at diagnosis (SEER) | What it means | 5-year relative survival |
|---|---|---|
| Localized | No sign of spread outside the colon | 91% |
| Regional | Spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes | 73% |
| Distant | Spread to distant organs | 13% |
Source: American Cancer Society, NCI SEER data for people diagnosed with colon cancer 2014–2020. Rectal cancer rates are similar. Survival is improving as treatments advance, and these averages cannot predict any one person’s outcome.
Every colorectal cancer should be tested for mismatch repair (MMR) or microsatellite instability (MSI). Advanced cancers also need RAS (KRAS, NRAS), BRAF and HER2 testing. MSI-high or MMR-deficient tumors often respond dramatically to immunotherapy, while RAS and BRAF results decide which targeted drugs will work.
| Biomarker | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| MSI-high / dMMR | Strong responses to immunotherapy such as pembrolizumab or dostarlimab; may also signal Lynch syndrome. |
| KRAS / NRAS | RAS-normal (wild-type) tumors may benefit from anti-EGFR drugs such as cetuximab or panitumumab; KRAS G12C has its own targeted options. |
| BRAF V600E | Treated with encorafenib combined with an anti-EGFR antibody. |
| HER2 amplification | HER2-targeted therapy options for advanced disease. |
Premier Oncology Consultants provides the medical treatments for colon and rectal cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and supportive care, and coordinates surgery and radiation with colorectal surgeons and radiation oncologists in Katy and Houston.
Combinations such as FOLFOX, CAPOX and FOLFIRI given after surgery to prevent recurrence, before surgery for rectal cancer, or to control advanced disease.
Used for: Stage II–IV colon and rectal cancer
Bevacizumab, cetuximab, panitumumab, encorafenib and HER2- or KRAS G12C-targeted drugs, selected by your tumor’s biomarkers.
Used for: Advanced colorectal cancer
Checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab for MSI-high or MMR-deficient cancers, which can produce long-lasting responses.
Used for: MSI-high / dMMR tumors
Colectomy for colon cancer and total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, plus removal of liver or lung metastases when possible.
Used for: All stages
Chemoradiation or short-course radiation for rectal cancer, often as part of total neoadjuvant therapy.
Used for: Stage II–III rectal cancer
Led by Dr. Riaz, who completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. We manage pain, bowel changes, neuropathy and fatigue at every stage.
Used for: All stages, alongside treatment
Learn more about chemotherapy at Premier Oncology and our full range of cancer treatment services.
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores and low blood counts from chemotherapy; numbness or cold sensitivity from oxaliplatin; and skin rash from anti-EGFR drugs. Most can be prevented or managed, and doses can be adjusted to protect your quality of life.
Our biopsychosocial approach supports your physical and emotional health together: anti-nausea medicine, neuropathy monitoring, nutrition and ostomy support, help with anxiety and depression, and clear communication with your family and caregivers.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening starting at 45 finds and removes polyps before they turn into cancer. You can also lower risk by staying active, keeping a healthy weight, eating more fiber, fruits and vegetables, limiting red and processed meat and alcohol, and not smoking.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
Dr. Naqvi brings years of experience treating a wide range of cancers with a focus on personalized medicine, patient advocacy and compassionate care.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist & Palliative Care Specialist
Dr. Riaz completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, so patients receive cutting-edge cancer therapy while keeping the highest possible quality of life.
Our oncology office is located at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494, with easy access from I-10 and the Grand Parkway. Patients come to us for colorectal cancer care from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial, the Energy Corridor, West Houston and communities throughout Greater Houston.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM · Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Phone: 281-647-7766 · Fax: 281-647-7767 · Map & directions
Yes. Colorectal cancer is often curable when found early, and the 5-year relative survival rate for localized colon cancer is about 91%. Even some stage IV cancers that have spread only to the liver or lungs can be cured with surgery and chemotherapy.
The 5-year relative survival rate for colon cancer that has spread to distant organs is about 13%, according to American Cancer Society data. Outcomes are better for people whose metastases can be removed surgically or whose tumors respond to targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Adults at average risk should start at age 45. People with a family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, Lynch syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease may need to begin earlier.
No. Most stage I and many stage II colon cancers are treated with surgery alone. Chemotherapy is usually recommended for stage III, high-risk stage II and stage IV disease.
Researchers do not yet know the full cause. Obesity, diet, inactivity and changes in the gut microbiome are being studied. Because younger adults are often diagnosed later, any rectal bleeding or bowel change should be checked promptly.
Colon cancer is usually treated with surgery first, followed by chemotherapy if needed. Rectal cancer often receives chemotherapy and radiation before surgery, and some patients with a complete response may avoid surgery with close monitoring.
MSI-high means the tumor cannot repair certain DNA errors. These cancers often respond very well to immunotherapy, and the finding can point to inherited Lynch syndrome, so genetic counseling is recommended.
A positive stool test means you need a colonoscopy to find the cause. It does not mean you have cancer, but the colonoscopy should not be delayed.
Premier Oncology Consultants offers same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients at our Katy office. Call 281-647-7766 to schedule.
Yes. A second opinion can confirm staging, verify biomarker testing and review options such as immunotherapy or liver-directed treatment. We see patients from Katy, Memorial, Sugar Land and across Greater Houston.
We accept most major insurance plans, including AARP, Aetna, Aetna Medicare, Amerigroup Star Plus, Amerivantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Medicare Advantage PPO, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare and TMHP. Self-pay patients are welcome. Call 281-647-7766 to verify coverage.
Sources
This page is for education only and does not replace medical advice from your own physician. Treatment decisions should be made with your care team based on your individual diagnosis.
Same-Day Appointments in Katy
Newly diagnosed, waiting on biomarker results, or seeking a second opinion? Our board-certified oncologists will review your colonoscopy, pathology and scans and build a plan with you, often on the same day you call.
Same-Day Appointments · Katy, TX
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