Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in America for men and women. The American Cancer Society
estimates the risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20 and that over 50,000 will die from it in 2014.
Colonoscopy screening has steadily dropped the death rate. Screening saves lives!
In most cases, colorectal cancer does not show specific symptoms. Most colorectal cancer starts as a benign clump of cells called a polyp. Over time,
a polyp can become cancerous. In most cases, polyps are easily and painlessly removed during a routine screening colonoscopy. 90% of those diagnosed with
cancer at a local stage found during screening, survived!
50 is the age to get screened for men and women. Get screened before age 50 if you have had inflammatory bowel disease, any family history of colorectal polyps
or cancer or genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis or non-polyposis colorectal cancer.
Charleston GI's Open Access Colonoscopy Program allows patients without significant gastrointestinal symptoms or other health risk factors to schedule a colonoscopy
without a primary care physician referral or preliminary visit prior to the procedure. Call (843) 722-8000.
Many private insurance plans cover colonoscopy used to screen for colorectal cancer with little or no co-payment. Charleston GI accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.
