Colon Cancer

Overview

Colon cancer starts in the colon, also called the large intestine, which is the final portion of the digestive tract. Typically, colon cancer begins when noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps develop in the colon and then become cancerous over time.

Unfortunately, polyps usually do not create symptoms, so it is important to receive routine screenings to detect polyps before they become cancerous. There is treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy available to treat colon cancer. Some people may lump colon cancer into a type called colorectal cancer, which also includes cancer of the rectum.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy
EMR

What is the prognosis for colon cancer?

Research shows that colon cancer is treatable, as the 5-year survival rate for localized colon cancer is 90 percent.

What is the best treatment for colon cancer?

The proper course of treatment for colon cancer depends upon the severity and size of the cancer. There are surgical treatments for both early and late-stage colon cancers. For example, if colon cancer is small, surgery may involve removing a polyp. Larger, more advanced stage colon cancer may require surgery to remove part of the colon. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy are other treatment options. An oncologist can recommend the best treatment option for a particular case of colon cancer.

How can I reduce my risk of colon cancer?

Certain people may be at increased risk of colon cancer because of family history or certain digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis, but you can reduce your likelihood of developing colon cancer by limiting your alcohol intake, giving up smoking, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Screening is also an important part of prevention; regular colon cancer screenings are recommended for everyone age 50 and older, but should occur earlier for those with risk factors for colon cancer.

Common Symptoms

“I suddenly began to lose weight with no explanation, and I felt tired all the time and suffered from ongoing stomach pain and cramps.”
“I started to experience constipation, which is unusual for me, and I noticed that I was having blood in my stools.”
“In addition to non-stop abdominal pain and gas, I started to feel as if I never had a complete bowel movement.”

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What They Are Saying

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Top rated

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6268 reviews

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Katie M.

Every person I spoke to was kind, gracious, thorough and professional. From making an appointment over the phone right up through leaving my appointment - every single person. Every step of the process I would go through was explained in detail and I was encouraged to ask questions. I highly recommend them!

Norm T.

Very professional, everyone was pleasant and explained in detail everything that was going to transpire. I felt very comfortable and the procedures went faster than expected.

Dianne M.

Dr. Bakken always provides excellent care. Her team at Center For digestive health is incredible. From her assistant, Kate to the people at the surgical center. Everyone of them has gone out of their way to make sure that I am always comfortable and safe. I would recommend them to anyone.

Joel H.

Great experience, very professional yet compassionate towards the patients.

Karen B.

For a procedure that is not very looked forward to, or dignified, everyone took care of me respectfully, and made sure I was comfortable, available to answer any questions professionally, and with a sense of humor. Thank you for your expertise, when people feel most vulnerable. I was as much at ease as a person could be, and appreciate your staff and their kindness.

Joy S.

Staff was very comforting and professional in a situation that could be quite awkward and frightening .

Tom H.

Excellent experience and treatment

Gerri O.

Everyone was very nice and professional. Told you everything that was going on. Quick and easier than I thought it would be. No problems at all.

Kenneth S.

The whole experience was great. Everyone was very kind and friendly and most importantly very experienced in all aspects of the procedure.

Shannon S.

Everyone was wonderful and professional! I appreciate the friendly staff and the Dr.was great.

Donald B.

Great people, smooth, quick painless process and the staff, nurses, doctor great through out.

Jim G.

Everything went smoothly staff showed they enjoyed there job my the way they treated everyone

patricia T.

I didn’t have to wait. Very pleasant experience. Dr Donat is very efficient.

Devin G.

Excellent facility. Well managed and will definitely recommend to others.

belvo M.

Everyone was great. My Dr Willie did Awesome Job.

Shirley S.

I was so pleased with my experience. Everyone was so kind and made me feel very comfortable. Having a colonoscopy is not what you want to do but they check you in quickly and move the process along. No waiting and before you know it it’s over.

Mary L.

The staff is very courteous, fast and knowledgeable.

Michele H.

I have been a patient of Dr Quallich for five year and daughter has seen...never have to wait when I have an appointment...I have have several.procedures and only once they were off schedule...ur told for procedure that ur driver must stay in the waiting room...all directions are given verbally and in writing prior to the procedure.

leslie C.

All of Troy Gastroenterolgy is great. Dr Abadir is my Dr and he is very good. I had issues and he worked with me and my primary to improve my condition. He listens to every word i say intently and then he comes up with questions for me and then he starts his plan to help me. And he did! Great doctor. Leslie Croo

Dr. John W.

Dr. Webber is an outstanding doctor! He is professional, knowledgeable, thorough, and has a fabulous presence with his patients. His office staff are helpful and put patients at ease regarding their visits. I strongly recommend Dr. Webber for your medical care.

Christine B.

Dr Menhat is a very good doctor as well as his medical staff. I did have a problem that I did not receive the pre op instructions until I placed a call the Thursday before my Monday colonoscopy. I received the instructions immediately after my phone call. I believe I called the office in mid April to schedule the procedure.

Terri F.

Dr Nandi is an amazing doctor. He and his staff make the colonoscopy not so bad after all 🙂

Yesmain R.

Roger was undoubtedly the best nurse experience I’ve ever encountered!!

Carol M.

I received excellent care as usual. I have always been impressed with Dr. Donat and his staff is great as well.

sandy B.

The people at the facility were very kind and gentle.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6273 reviews

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mvpops6

My experience at the Center for Digestive Health was awesome. Considering what I personally went through preparing for my colonoscopy once I got there everything was so smooth from the receptionist to the woman asking the questions when I got taken back into the room, to the nurses who were watching over me, and Dr Wille who was very kind and caring as they all were. Let me add the nurse who was taking care of me when I woke up how great and wonderful she was to me. Then my wheelchair ride to my car...all went perfectly awesome!

Wendy B.

Everyone was very friendly and even though the office was full of people I was in and out very quickly. Staff and Dr Donat were great!

Brenda S.

There very pleasant, caring group of people..I injoyed talking with the Dr.

donna C.

Very pleasant experience. Staff and dr we’re awesome

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

Christina N. Brown, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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