intelex technologies: Hispanics at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer

Hispanics at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer

Arizona Gastroenterology Logo

Tucson, AZ (Vocus) August 10, 2009

Tucson, Arizona is home to a dense Hispanic population. In recognition of September 15th as the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Arizona Gastroenterology is spreading the word throughout the local Hispanic community that colorectal pre-screening can save lives.

Hispanics are the group at second-highest risk for colorectal cancer, with African Americans being first. Men and women are equally at risk in all ethnic groups.

With routine screenings, colon cancer or pre-cancerous polyps can easily be detected and treated. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, the survival rate for Stage I colon cancer is over 90%.

Americans lead the world in incidence of colon cancer, but colon cancer IS preventable. The physicians at Arizona Gastroenterology set aside the month of September every year to focus their efforts to educate the Hispanic community about this disease, which is largely preventable with early screening!

?It?s very important that Hispanic Americans acknowledge their family medical history. If colon cancer runs in your family, we strongly urge you to schedule a screening immediately. In some cases, medical history is not relevant, so we encourage everyone to get screened for safety. Early screenings drastically increase survival rates,? says Arizona Gastroenterology Physician Dr. Bryan Contreras.

Arizona Gastroenterology is committed to helping patients understand the importance of colorectal cancer identification and prevention in addition to being aware of today?s cutting-edge treatments. As there are often no symptoms with colorectal cancer, the physicians at Arizona Gastroenterology focus on the importance of regular screenings, which can catch polyps or non-cancerous growths in the colon. In many cases, these tests identify colorectal cancers at an early stage and greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.

The seven physicians who make up Arizona Gastroenterology firmly believe the goal of an 80% colorectal screening rate in Southern Arizona can be achieved with education and concentrated efforts from the medical community. Start a conscious effort to take control of your health by taking preventative measures, like colorectal screening, for a longer and healthier life.

Arizona Gastroenterology has three locations with Spanish-speaking staff members. Their locations are at Ina and La Cholla; Northwest Medical Center in Oro Valley; and in Green Valley. Contact Arizona Gastroenterology by calling (520) 742-4139 or by visiting http://www.azgastroenterology.com.

About Arizona Gastroenterology

Arizona Gastroenterology was founded in 1981 and is comprised of seven board certified and fellowship trained medical doctors, all focused on properly diagnosing, treating and maintaining digestive health. This elite group of physicians has been named among America?s Top Physicians by the Consumer Research Council of America. The practice provides gastroenterological care for both inpatient and outpatient medical services for patients with illness and disease of the digestive tract. The majority of procedures are preformed in a state-of-the-art gastroenterology clinic. The practice also operates the Arizona Digestive Institute on site. Arizona Gastroenterology has three locations in Southern Arizona: Northwest Tucson at Ina and La Cholla; Northwest Medical Center in Oro Valley and in Green Valley. Contact Arizona Gastroenterology by calling (520) 742-4139 or by visiting http://www.azgastroenterology.com.

CONTACT: Susanna Minegishi

McFadden/Gavender

O: (520) 882-6262 ? M: (520) 444-9223

Karen Gavender

McFadden/Gavender

O: (520) 882-6262 ? M: (520) 603-4200

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