When Gastrointestinal Associates started in 1971, the medical community was still learning how to best prevent and treat colon cancer. Many risk factors and contributing causes remained unknown with rudimentary diagnostic equipment available. The use of screenings as a means of prevention was just emerging in the field.
Since then, gastroenterology has made major strides in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer, and GIA has been at the forefront of the effort. Co-founder Dr. Bergein Overholt created the first flexible colonoscopy scope, leading the way for today’s sophisticated procedures, and our doctors have continued to be pioneers in the industry.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States among men and women combined. We’re passionate about colon cancer screening; if caught early, the patient has a high chance of survival. To date, GIA has performed more than 250,000 screening colonoscopies – and seeks to beat that number in the coming 50 years.
Help us end colon cancer. Spread the word that screenings should start at age 45, and donate to colon cancer research now by clicking here.
Your help is needed now more than ever. During the pandemic, we noticed that many patients skipped or rescheduled their screenings due to COVID-19. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1.7 million screening colonoscopies were missed during just the first three months of the pandemic. Thousands of people who were not diagnosed in time may become gravely ill or die from colon cancer. Now is the time to support colon cancer research and urge those in your life to continue their regular screenings.