Tulane surgeon Dr. Jacquelyn Turner is helping expand treatment options and improve patient outcomes across the Gulf South.
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 in the United States. The encouraging news is that when detected early, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers.
The American Cancer Society recommends routine screening beginning at age 45 for people at average risk. Advances in treatment and surgical techniques are improving outcomes and quality of life for patients diagnosed with the disease.
Dr. Jacquelyn Turner, Professor of Surgery and Vice Chair of Surgical Education at Tulane University School of Medicine, specializes in colon and rectal surgery. She leads efforts to expand treatment options and refine surgical approaches for patients across the Gulf South.
A native of Houston, Dr. Turner attended Xavier University in New Orleans before pursuing her medical training. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and completed a general surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Her training continued with a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at The Ohio State University’s Grant Medical Center.
Dr. Turner brought her expertise back to New Orleans in 2022. Louisiana has one of the highest cancer death rates in the country, driven in part by lower screening rates, high-risk populations, and lifestyle factors. When she isn’t in the clinic, Dr. Turner is involved in advocacy efforts to improve patient care statewide.
“Working with the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana has helped us get laws passed that benefit cancer patients across the state,” she explains. “With my practice, I can touch hundreds of patients. Through advocacy, we can help thousands.”
Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and may not cause symptoms early on. When symptoms do appear, they may include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or unexplained fatigue.
Screening remains the most effective way to detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.
At the same time, treatment approaches continue to evolve. In some cases, physicians now administer chemotherapy before surgery rather than after, a strategy that can improve outcomes for certain patients.
“We’re always working to develop less invasive treatments,” Dr. Turner says. “Techniques such as robotic surgery and immunotherapy have expanded significantly in the last decade and are helping us better treat certain colorectal cancers.”
To learn more about colorectal cancer screening or schedule an appointment with a Tulane colorectal specialist, visit TulaneDoctors.com.
