Early GI Screenings Save Lives
A colonoscopy is your earliest line of defense against a long-term cancer diagnosis.
Colonoscopies are considered the standard benchmark procedures in colorectal cancer screening and will save lives through early detection. Getting screened early, especially if you are experiencing GI issues, can help detect abnormalities, allowing us to treat them sooner for a more favorable result.
“Last week I had a colonoscopy by Dr. Vera Denmark. The entire process from start to end was excellent. Dr. Denmark communicated clearly and at the end, I walked away with the results documented. The team that works with her at Newton Wellesley were professional and able to address all questions and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.”
Why Early Detection is Key:
Screenings detect cancer before symptoms show up
Early screenings save lives and decrease your chances of experiencing a late form of colon cancer. Screenings look for specific risk factors, abnormal tissues, polyps, and signs of colon cancer and are considered the gold standard of care when it comes to treating and preventing colon cancer altogether. Symptoms may take a while to surface for some individuals or go unnoticed for a long period of time. Early screening allows for early detection even before symptoms become widely apparent. To schedule your colonoscopy and screen before possible symptoms show, contact us today.
Family history increases your risk of colon cancer
If someone in your family has been diagnosed with colon cancer, you are at higher risk. Approximately 1 in 3 people who are diagnosed with colon cancer have a family member who has had it. This is especially for those with a first-degree relative that has had colorectal cancer. This includes parents, siblings or children. It is recommended that you have your first colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years younger than your relative’s cancer diagnosis. To mitigate the risk, schedule an appointment with us today and get screened early.
“Very friendly staff, professional and highly organized. These hard-working professionals made the unpleasant colonoscopy process as pleasant as can be.”
Other GI issues can play a role in having colon cancer
Although colorectal cancer can have some of the same symptoms as other GI issues, it's important to know the difference between the two, especially if you are someone who has received a GI diagnosis such as ulcerative colitis, IBD, or Crohn’s disease. These GI issues put you at a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer. For instance, those with IBD are at a 5-10% risk of having colon cancer after 20 years with the number increasing as the years with the disease increases. To learn more about the ties between your specific GI diagnosis and your risk of getting colon cancer because of it, contact us today.
About Gastroenterology HealthCare Associates
Our state-of-the-art endoscopy facility is one of the largest in the area, performing upwards of 15,000 procedures each year. We pride ourselves on being part of one of a few select hospitals in the state to be certified by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. We are the ideal option to perform your colonoscopy exam because we understand the inherent benefits of early detection, believe in fluid communication with our patients, and provide top care that helps prevent a late-stage cancer diagnosis. We believe in mitigating the risk by being proactive in our early detection approach. Your GI health is our top priority.
“Colonoscopy is not a pleasant procedure, but I passed it easily and with flying colors at Gastroenterology Healthcare Associates. Dr. Levitzky and his team did it excellently.
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