New Educational Video Helps People Prepare for a Colonoscopy
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Many Americans avoid having a Colonoscopy at the recommended age of 50 because they fear the procedure and don’t know how to prepare for it. In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, the Highland Hospital Procedure Center, which provides endoscopy services, has created a short video designed to help educate people about Colonoscopy and alleviate common fears about the procedure.
The brain child of Dr. Anil Sharma, chief of Gastroenterology at Highland Hospital, the video was developed with help from Procedure Center staff. The video embraces the value of Colonoscopy, starting at age 50, as a life-saving procedure that can be comfortable and easy to prepare for, based on clear instructions and basic preparatory steps that begin at home.
“Highland Hospital is taking the lead to help improve the experience for patients undergoing their colonoscopy procedure, said Dr. Sharma. “We encourage people to watch the video and share it with people they care about, especially those who are at age of 50 or older. Having a Colonoscopy at age 50 is a life-saving step that can reduce an individual’s risk of colon cancer by up to 75 percent. We want people to have a Colonoscopy at the right time in their lives and be comfortable doing it.”
According to national statistics, colon cancer remains the second most common cancer for men and women in the United States. Medical professionals strongly recommend Colonoscopy starting at age 50. The procedure is viewed as the most effective tool available to help reduce the incidence of this potentially fatal, but preventable disease. In recent years, progress has been made in reducing the incidence of this devastating disease, including in the greater Rochester region. National cancer rates have been slowly declining by approximately 3 percent annually over the past 10 years. Although colorectal screening rates statewide have increased to 60 percent from 30 percent over the past 10 years, one of the biggest challenges is the fear people have about how to prepare for a Colonoscopy.
Dr. Anil Sharma is a highly respected community gastroenterologist, who has been performing colonoscopies for more than 20 years. The Highland Endoscopy Center was the first in our region to receive certification from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), which is a national organization that closely monitors Endoscopic services and quality of care. Colonoscopy is the number one procedure performed at the Highland Procedure Center, which offers Endoscopy, pain management, and blood transfusion services in one convenient location. Referring physicians, patients, and visitors can contact the Center for Endoscopic procedures, including Colonoscopy appointments, by calling (585) 341-6877, Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To view the video, go to Highland.urmc.edu/ColonoscopyPrep or visit our Facebook page under Highland Hospital to learn more.
Founded in 1889, Highland Hospital has a history of innovative and personalized care. The hospital is a regional leader in specialties such as bariatric surgery, joint replacement, geriatric care, gynecologic oncology, prostate cancer treatment, women’s health services, and maternity. An affiliate of the University of Rochester Medical Center, the 261-bed organization and its 2,400 employees are committed to providing patient- and family-centered care.