Giving Away 50 Free Screening Colonoscopies

The Endoscopy Center & Digestive Disease Associates Team Up Against Colon Cancer

February 24, 2010, Gainesville, FL – Colon cancer affects men and women alike.  Early detection is key to beating colon cancer.  Screening colonoscopies make that possible, and some colon cancers can even be prevented.  That’s why it is so important to follow guidelines that recommend most people have a screening colonoscopy when they turn 50.

As a gift to the community, the physicians of Digestive Disease Associates and North Florida Endoscopy Center are joining together to give away 50 FREE screening colonoscopies.  In addition to being 50 and never had a screening colonoscopy, participants must have lost their jobs and be without health insurance.  The project is designed specifically to reach out to people who, without this gift, truly would have no chance of this important test. 

“It is our hope that we will help the 50 people who receive the free screening colonoscopies, but we also want to reach thousands of other people who will hear about the project and learn an important message,” says Gastroenterologist Thomas R. Beers, MD. “The message is one that is not generally understood, and that’s a shame.  The message is that many colon cancers can be prevented. Colonoscopies save lives.”

According to the American Cancer Society, research indicates that half of all the  people who should be screened for colon cancer do so.  The study results confirmed the worst fears of physicians who have spent years treating patients.  Put another way, the research shows that half of all the people who meet the guidelines for colon cancer screening simply don’t do it.

“There are several reasons for low screening numbers,” Dr. Beers says.  “People don’t know colon cancer starts as bumps called polyps that can be removed before they become cancer.  They don’t know the guidelines.  They worry about pain, and embarrassment plays a part.  For some people, health insurance is a barrier, and it is those people we are reaching out to with this special project in March.”

Organizers of the program to give away 50 FREE colonoscopies during March point to a significant collection of information published by the American Cancer Society on the need to increase awareness of the disease.  Colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in America. An estimated 146,970 new cases were expected for the year 2009.  Colorectal cancer remains the second deadliest cancer with 49,920 annually nationwide.  More than 1 million Americans are living with colon cancer. 

Those who are interested in the program and believe they may be eligible are encouraged to call the toll-free line of Consult-a-Nurse at 800-611-6913. Nurses will speak with callers briefly and ask them a few brief pre-screening questions; if eligible, callers can be transferred right away to have a consultation scheduled.  At the consultation, a history and physical will be completed.  Participants will receive free materials needed to prepare for a colonoscopy, as well as direction.  Their colonoscopy will also be scheduled at that time during the month of March.

“We’re very excited about this program because of the potential it has to help people and deliver an important message about preventing colon cancer,” says Michael Banks, Director of North Florida Endoscopy Center.  “If you or someone you know may be eligible for this program, don’t wait to call.  Once the community becomes aware that this is available, we expect great response.  We are prepared and ready to go.”

About North Florida Regional Medical Center:
North Florida Regional is a 325-bed, full-service medical and surgical acute care center serving 14 counties and offering comprehensive cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences, weight loss surgery and treatment,  women’s health and wound therapy, among other services.  A proven leader, North Florida Regional Medical Center is fully accredited and is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization.  North Florida Regional Medical Center is a member of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).  Based in Nashville, Tennessee, HCA remains the nation’s leading provider of healthcare services, composed of locally managed facilities that include approximately 166 hospitals and 112 outpatient centers in 20 states and England.