Trusted Colon Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment in Birmingham, AL

Almost 140,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer every year. Early diagnosis and treatment help our patients overcome the symptoms and improve the prognosis of colon cancer.

At Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, P.C., (ACRIPC), our board-certified colorectal surgeons provide comprehensive colon cancer care. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, including both surgical and non-surgical options. Our treatment options are personalized to each patient diagnosed with colon cancer to ensure the treatment provides the patient with the best outcome. 

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common type of cancer that affects both men and women. Colon cancer typically begins as a cluster of cells, called adenomatous polyps, in the large intestine. Over time, if left undiagnosed and untreated, these polyps can evolve into colon cancer. 

Because adenomatous polyps often produce little to no symptoms, our board-certified colorectal surgeons recommend regular screenings to diagnose and remove these polyps in the large intestine to prevent colon cancer. 

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Like many other cancers, patients may not experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer before an initial diagnosis, especially if the cancer has not developed beyond the early stages. Symptoms vary between patients and depend on the location of the cancer within the large intestine. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include: 

• Unexplained or sudden weight loss
• Bloody stool
• Weakness or fatigue
• Diarrhea, constipation, or a change in consistency of bowel movements
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain

If you notice any of the above symptoms for longer than four weeks or a significant change in your bowel habits, schedule a visit with our board-certified colorectal surgeons at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, P.C. We provide reliable diagnoses, effective treatment options, and peace of mind knowing that you’re in the best hands when facing a colon cancer diagnosis. Depending on your individual diagnosis, we may recommend surgical and non-surgical options to treat the disease or disorder causing you discomfort. 

Colon Cancer Risk Factors & Prevention Tips

Understanding the risk factors and prevention tips associated with colon cancer can help you reduce your chances of developing this disease. Making small changes to your everyday life can lower your risk of developing colon cancer, such as: 

• Daily exercise for at least 30 minutes each day
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially fibrous, green vegetables
• If you are a smoker, quitting immediately

You may be at an increased risk of developing colon cancer if you identify with one or more of the following risk factors: 

• Personal or family history of colon cancer
• Suffer from inflammatory intestinal conditions
• Over 50 years of age
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle and/or are obese
• Are an active smoker
• Identify as African-American
• Use alcohol heavily
• Eat a diet low in fiber and high in fat

One of the best ways to prevent colon cancer is to receive regular screenings via colonoscopy with our board-certified colorectal surgeons in Birmingham, Alabama. During an initial screening with our board-certified colorectal surgeons at the Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, P.C., you can discuss your current risk factors and how to adjust your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. 

Colon Cancer Treatment Options at ACRI in Birmingham, AL

As with many cancers, the available treatment options for colon cancer vary depending on the stage, location, and size within the body. There are five stages, with several determining factors within each stage, of colon cancer, with stage 0 being the earliest sign of cancer in the colon. Our treatment options depend on the stage in which the cancer is diagnosed: 

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer

After the diagnosis of colon cancer, there are several minimally-invasive surgical treatment options our board-certified colorectal surgeons may recommend: 

• Minimally invasive colectomy (Robotic or Laparoscopic surgery)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• A combination of the above

Contact Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, P.C., in Birmingham for Colon Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with colon cancer or require an initial screening following potential symptoms, our board-certified and experienced colorectal surgeons at the Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, P.C., understand the severity of this disease. We provide thorough screenings to determine the causation of symptoms, as well as confidential, efficient treatment options to combat a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. 

We are an AAAASF-accredited surgical facility and are experienced in the latest colorectal surgeries to treat colorectal cancers. Contact The Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, P.C., – affectionately coined ‘The Butt Hut’ – and let our team provide an expert colon cancer diagnosis and effective treatment options. Contact us online or via telephone at 205-458-5000 to schedule your screening appointment.