Prevea Health and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital are urging adults 45 and older to schedule their colonoscopies to help prevent, detect and treat one of the most common and deadly types of cancers — colorectal cancer.
With the American Cancer Society reporting colorectal cancer as the second most common cause of cancer death for Americans, Prevea gastroenterologists are committed to increasing awareness and timely access to life-saving screenings.
“A colonoscopy screening doesn’t just detect cancer, it can prevent it,” said Dr. Chaitanya Pant, Prevea gastroenterologist, who performs colonoscopies at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls. “When we remove precancerous polyps early, we can stop cancer before it starts. That’s why it’s so important for people to get screened at the age of 45, or even sooner if they have a family history of colon cancer.”
Prevea follows national screening guidelines, recommending adults begin screening at age 45. However, for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, screening may need to begin earlier.
“It’s estimated nearly one-third of colorectal cancer cases in adults under 50 occur in people with a family history of the disease,” said Pant. “If a close relative has had colorectal cancer, don’t wait — talk to your Prevea primary care provider about scheduling a screening sooner. Regular checkups and early detection remain key to prevention and improving colon cancer survival rates.”
Prevea and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital make it easier than ever to schedule and complete a colon cancer screening, by providing colonoscopies in Oconto County, close to their neighbors’ homes.
“We understand some people may feel hesitant about scheduling a colonoscopy, but it’s a simple procedure that can save your life,” said Pant. “Our team is here to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.”
For information about colonoscopies and the value of screenings, visit https://www.prevea.com/resources/4-5-reasons-to-be-screened-for-colon-ca....
Prevea, HSHS push for colorectal cancer screenings
