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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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6233 reviews

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Vincent A.

Like at Arby's I would ring for very good and professional and organized office . Thank you all

Rick T.

I had an EGD done and was very pleased with the process and care.

rami T.

From check in to the walk to my car Dr Bologna and his team were efficient, compassionate and professional. My colonoscopy was quick and Dr. Bologna talked to me before and after.I highly recommend DHS Macomb and Dr Bologna.

Janet G.

Had a procedure with Troy Gastro. Nurse, anesthesiologist and doctor were very kind and professional. Made me feel very at ease, well taken care of. Explained the procedure, their role and what to expect to lesson my anxiety.

Michelle T.

Great staff to work with. Thank you for taking such good care of me.

Lulu

I met Dr. Weber in 1998, when he first treated a stomach problem I developed in college. The care I received back then made me feel very comfortable to return to their practice. The entire staff at the Center for Digestive Health is awesome. The best thing about having your procedure there is that you avoid all the hospital traffic and long wait. I was in and out in a short time. I do recommend this place to anyone who values great service and time. It’ll be worth your while.

Mike W.

Excellent with great people

Brandon S.

Dr. Willie and his staff were very kind and efficient. I had the procedure and was on my way home in under 75 minutes. The prep was as expected, and the instructions were very clear.

Tanja S.

Great Service! I can highly recommend this office for colonoscopy! All the staff and my doctor were very friendly. I didn’t have to wait at all and was in and out within 1,5 hours. Anesthesia was great as well - I was not drowsy and could go on with my day without and problems!

Candy C.

Staff made me comfortable. All went smooth and timely.

Jeanette Y.

Excellent caring staff, timely appointments. I felt they knew my history well and made good care options.

Alopez 0.

All of the staff I was in contact with were amazing. My anesthesiologist Mary was the best. She made me feel at ease and kept me smiling. I will continue to have my procedure at the CDH in Troy. I can't say enough good things ❤ A day after my procedure I had an unexpected call from a nurse following up on me to see how I was doing. Thank you to all of the staff for making me feel comfortable during my visit.

Ann C.

Have never had a bad experience! Always taken care of. Dr Bakken and staff are the best!

Martin G.

Dr Donat was helpful and kind. I would recommend him to anyone!

Tiffany U.

From beginning to end. Very prompt, precise, polite and professional. Perfect. I felt very comfortable. Thank You 😊

Bob K.

Overall start to finish great experience with great people

David C.

Everything was top notch from the prep, procedure, and recovery.

Joe

Very professional. Very pleasant and comfortable experience. To notch!

Shirley K.

Everyone is so caring and pleasant

Donna P.

The two nurses I had were great. Very friendly

Loraine B.

I had a positive experience with the team. They were all caring and worked well explaining everything. My discharge instructions were clear and the following day one of the nurses called to check on me. I would recommend Dr DeNot and team for anyone who needs their specialty.

Ozetta B.

Very nice building friendly staff everything was explained to and everyone introduced themselves the doctor spoke with me in recovery.

Maria W.

I was pleasantly surprised with how efficiently everything went. I Have had only one previous colonoscopy to compare with, and that was ten years ago, and in a hospital setting. Everyone was very kind, always asking if I had any questions and very knowledgeable about their duties. I would recommend this facility highly.

Carol J.

Efficient Quick Had all the answers

David R.

Fast, efficient, friendly. Doctor explains the diagnosis with words and pictures.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6238 reviews

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Rich I.

The staff was very professional, and the entire procedure was efficient and easy.

Linda

Friendly and efficient staff. Nice facility. Didn’t have to wait too long.

Sue D.

One of the things I love most about Dr. Donat, is his kind and caring manner, he listens, asks questions and is mindful of the patients concerns. That's why I have been a patient with this office and this Dr. for over 15 years. The staff is kind and caring and does their best to work with patients.

Shannon H.

I have had several procedures at the Macomb facility. They are always on time, efficient, kind and caring!! From the intake staff to the person who walks you out the door, every single one of them treat you with great care!!

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

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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