Knowing what’s happening inside your body can help you prevent painful health conditions and save you money on complex procedures.
What’s more, screenings could save your life.
Screening Colonoscopy
What are we screening for?
Existing Cancer
Colonoscopies allow us to identify and treat cancer earlier.
Conditions that could lead to cancer
Some people develop polyps in the lining of their colon. These are small clumps of cells that may not yet be cancerous, but could pose a future risk. Screening allows us to remove those polyps early on.
Who should get screened?
Adults ages 45 and older
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends preventive colon cancer screening for all adults age 50 and older. If you are African American, it’s recommended that you get screened from age 45, as your risk is higher.
Those with a family history of colorectal cancer
If you have a first-degree family member who had colon cancer, you should get screened either ten years before the earliest age a family member got cancer, or at age 40—whichever is earlier.
What are the benefits of screening?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Earlier screening could prevent many of these deaths. Additionally, most insurances cover 100% preventive screenings by law.
Hepatitis C Screening
What are we screening for?
Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection that can lead to serious liver damage. The virus is transmitted through contaminated blood or other body fluids and is tested through a simple blood draw.
Who should get screened?
All adults ages 18-79 should get screened, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
What are the benefits of screening?
Previously, treatment for Hepatitis C was limited. However, due to recent scientific advances, the disease can now be cured, which can prevent or eliminate severe complications such as liver scarring, liver failure, or cancer.
Many people are asymptomatic when they have hepatitis C. So while you may not be noticing any signs of the virus, you might still be at risk.