ELKINS, W.Va. – The month of March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the Davis Medical Center Endoscopy Center is joining thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates across the country to keep the community informed of the life-saving prevention practices they offer every day. 

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, and the best way to prevent this cancer is through routine screenings.  In an effort to identify cases earlier and improve likelihood of survival, the United States Preventive Services Task Force lowered the minimum screening age for colonoscopies from 50 to 45.  This change has allowed medical facilities to take an active part in preventing the disease or catching it early enough to make a major difference in the patient’s outcome.

The Endoscopy Center at Davis Medical Center urges community members to contact their doctor if they are over the age of 45, have a family history of cancer, or have never had a colonoscopy.  The center has four providers that offer high quality diagnostic and treatment services for GI related disorders, including colon cancer screenings, colon and rectal surgical services, endoscopies, and gastroenterology care. 

The center, which performs nearly 4,000 procedures annually, has received a Certificate of Recognition from the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).  As March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it is time for all community members due for screening to make and keep their appointments.  Talk to your doctor today.