Each year, over 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer. South Central Gastroenterology encourages you to not be included in this number. As part of your preventative health, healthcare providers recommend that beginning at 50 years old, adults should schedule a colonoscopy screening. Colonoscopies can detect colon cancer early, which is when it is the easiest to treat. Screenings should be scheduled every 10 years, depending on family history and other potential risk factors. With your provider, a care plan can be established for you.

Jim Cegielski, Publisher of the Laurel Leader-Call, reached out to South Central Regional Medical Center several weeks ago and asked if Mark Thornton, Editor-in-Chief, could participate in a video feature and story which would provide real time information during a colonoscopy procedure. He said he would like to educate the community about how simple, but important the procedure is in diagnosing colon cancer. Jim said, Mark celebrated his 50th birthday during the pandemic, so his first colonoscopy was delayed. After much thought, and securing a signed release from those participating in the segment, and following all HIPAA (patient privacy) guidelines, SCRMC agreed.