Local Gastroenterology Practice Gives Back to the Community During Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Local Gastroenterology Practice Gives Back to the Community During Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Digestive Health Specialists physicians will provide 50 free colonoscopies to patients impacted by the recent economic downturn.

Winston-Salem, NC (PRWEB) February 27, 2009 -- On Saturday, March 14, the physicians at Digestive Health Specialists (DHS) will donate their time and facilities to perform 50 free screening colonoscopies to help those in our communities who have recently lost their employment and health insurance. Anyone aged 50 or over who has not yet been screened for colon cancer and has been impacted by the recent economic downturn is eligible to apply for one of the 50 free colonoscopies.

Colon Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if people, aged 50 and over, get screened regularly. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country and third leading cause of cancer death. While early screening has reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer, the ACS estimates that about half the eligible population has not been screened.

"During this economic crisis, people may have to postpone preventative medicine for reasons out of their control. A delay in screening can mean the difference in developing or preventing colon cancer," said William C. Bray, MD, Medical Director of Digestive Health Specialists. "We want to make sure that even in these difficult financial times, people have access to screening colonoscopy, a potentially life-saving procedure.". DHS has financial counselors available throughout the year to help patients manage the cost of healthcare within their budgets.

Residents in our community who are interested in signing-up for the free screening colonoscopy program can visit www.digestivehealth.ws to download a sign-up form, or contact DHS at 336-768-6211. Procedures will be performed in our Winston-Salem, Kernersville and Thomasville offices.

Founded in 1978, Digestive Health Specialists, PA is a physician-owned Gastroenterology practice based in Winston-Salem, NC. With nine board-certified physicians and five certified Physician Assistants, DHS is committed to providing cancer-preventing screening colonoscopies. The practice treats a variety of other digestive and liver related diseases, including Abdominal Pain, Heartburn, Reflux, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Hepatitis.

Digestive Health Specialists, PA is located at 2025 Frontis Plaza Blvd, Suite 200. Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Phone 336-768-6211. Fax 336-768-6869. www.digestivehealth.ws.

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Contact Information Peter Donaldson

Digestive Health Specialists

http://www.digestivehealth.ws

336-765-4665