GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day on Oct. 17 was a huge success.
A total of 48 persons referred by The InterFaith Health Clinic and The Free Medical Clinic of America received free screenings from the physicians and staff of Gastrointestinal Associates and The Endoscopy Center.
I believe I speak for my fellow physicians and the staff when I say that we feel privileged to have helped make the day a success. It was gratifying to all of us to receive the hugs of support and thanks from the patients.
Our physicians and staff volunteered their time for “GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day” so that these individuals will have the same opportunity as the rest of us to avoid colon cancer, the second deadliest type of cancer.
The national health care debate has focused attention on the role of physicians and other health care professionals. I think this event is a great demonstration of the concern medical professionals have for their patients’ well-being. I recommend a day of this type to other gastrointestinal practices across the country.
We also wanted to make everyone more aware of the need for screenings to prevent colon cancer. Persons over 50 need to have the exam, and those with a history of colon cancer in their family should be screened even sooner.
Out of the 48 tested Oct. 17, a total of 25 had polyps removed and sent for testing – 16 women and nine men. Twenty-three had no polyps – 15 women and eight men. Polyps can lead to cancer, and that’s why early detection is so important.
In addition to my colleagues and staff, I want to add my thanks to event sponsors Anesthesia Associates of Knoxville, Mercy Health Partners, Premier Surgical Associates, The Endoscopy Center, GI Pathology of Memphis, Boston Scientific, Interactive Optics, the American Cancer Society and Braintree Laboratories Inc. Media sponsors were the Knoxville News Sentinel and WBIR-TV 10.
Thank you one and all.