Over 45? Family History? Get Screened!
The physicians at Consultants in Gastroenterology and the South Carolina Endoscopy Centers perform more colonoscopies than anyone else in the area. It is the first and only gastroenterology practice in the state to be recognized by a major insurance company for demonstrating outstanding quality in performing colonoscopies.
Know the Facts About Colon Cancer:
- Second leading cause of cancer death
- Does not discriminate against gender or race
- Age is the most important risk factor
- Family history or other illnesses increase risk
- Cancer usually begins as a small growth (polyp)
- Early colon cancer may cause no symptoms
- Colonoscopy is the best test
- Removing colon polyps PREVENTS colon cancer
- Gastroenterologists are colonoscopy experts
What you need to do:
- If 45 or older, ask your doctor about screening
- Tell the doctor about any digestive symptoms (ex: unexplained change in bowel behavior, weight loss, abdominal pain, blood in stool)
- Know your family history - screening may need to start earlier
- Before a colonoscopy, have a good prep - the best prep allows the best examination
- Experience matters - If you're planning to have a colonoscopy, make sure your physician performs colonoscopies every day