Rachel Cox, M.D., colorectal surgeon, is now seeing patients at Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Medical City Denton and Texas Health Flower Mound. Dr. Cox discusses the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and shares her approach for compassionate patient care.
Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor, specifically studying colon and rectal surgery?
Initially, I wanted to be a pathologist as I've always been drawn to pathology, physiology, and the causes of disease. However, while in medical school, I found I enjoyed working more closely with patients. As a surgeon, I love taking care of my patients and seeing them improve and overcome diseases. Being a surgeon is the most rewarding career to me.
Through regular colonoscopy screenings, we can also identify and remove precancerous polyps early to prevent most cancers from developing. If colorectal cancer is caught early and before it has spread, the disease is easy to treat."
What do you wish more people knew about colon and rectal health?
Even young people can develop colon cancer. I wish people of all ages wouldn't dismiss minor symptoms like occasional bleeding, thinking it is just hemorrhoids, or changes in bowel movements. These could be signs of colorectal cancer, but the only way to know for sure is by getting a colonoscopy. Through regular colonoscopy screenings, we can also identify and remove precancerous polyps early to prevent most cancers from developing. If colorectal cancer is caught early and before it has spread, the disease is easy to treat.
What do you think the future of colorectal cancer treatment will look like?
I think we are progressing toward more minimally invasive techniques that will allow patients to recover faster and spend less time in the hospital. As we refine combined treatments and targeted therapies, patient outcomes are going to continue to improve. Radiation and medical oncology play significant roles in treating colorectal cancer, and I believe they will become even more critical in the near future.
What do you want your patients to know about you?
I want both patients and providers to understand they can come to me with any abdominal and colorectal health concerns. I’m always here to help and if I don’t have the answer to their question, I’ll make sure to find someone who does. I also don't want patients to ever feel embarrassed or like they need to hide something from me. I want to treat them holistically, making sure they're comfortable with my care at every step of the process.
Where is your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
I love the Caribbean islands. Antigua is my personal favorite, as the weather is beautiful and makes a great escape from the Texas heat. My husband and I also love to go hiking and have visited multiple national and state parks.