(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Division of Gastroenterology, part of the AHN Medicine Institute, will mark national colorectal cancer awareness month by offering patients appointments for colonoscopy on two Saturdays in March at select AHN outpatient locations.
Saturday screenings will be conducted from 7:30 – 11 a.m. by highly specialized AHN gastroenterologists at the following locations. Patients should call 412.515.2723 to make an appointment. Space is limited.
- McCandless Endoscopy Center (March 12)
- Bethel Park Surgery Center (March 12)
- North Shore Endoscopy Center (March 19)
- Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion (March 19)
Colorectal cancer – also commonly referred to as colon cancer – is the second deadliest form of cancer in the U.S., behind lung cancer. To help prevent the disease, a colonoscopy is performed to examine the inside of the colon where tumors or small growths known as polyps can occur. Any detected polyps can be removed before potentially developing into cancer.
Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer from 50 years of age to 45. According to the task force, the new recommendation is based on data showing that the incidence of early-age onset of colorectal cancer increased annually between 2006 and 2015 among the overall population of average-risk individuals aged 45 to 49 years.
The disease is known to disproportionately affect the black community in which rates of colorectal cancer are highest among any racial/ethnic group in the United States. Notably, actor Chadwick Boseman died of the disease in 2020 at age 43.
Many people with colorectal cancer do not experience symptoms which further highlights the importance of screening, says Gursimran Kochhar, MD, associate division chief and director of interventional endoscopy within the AHN Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
“While colorectal cancer is among the most lethal and progressive forms of cancer, it is also highly preventable through routine colonoscopy. And even if cancer is detected in the colon, it is highly curable if found early enough. The benefits of early screening, detection and treatment can truly be lifesaving.”
“We are extremely pleased to once again offer Saturday screenings during colon cancer awareness month as a more convenient option for those who find it difficult to undergo screening on weekdays,” Dr. Kochhar added.
Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of the screening however patients should check with their provider for specific coverage information. Upon scheduling, patients will receive instructions regarding how to prepare for the outpatient procedure.