March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and South County Health reminds everyone to take measures that will lessen the risk of getting cancer or improve the chances of an early diagnosis.
Our new Endoscopy Suite and team of gastroenterologists who are experts in a variety of conditions that effect the stomach and intestines, are ready to help you.
According to Rhode Island Cancer Data, colon and rectal cancer are among the most common cancers diagnosed, affecting both men and women.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people who are at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a stool-based test that looks for signs of cancer, or by a visual exam of the colon and rectum.
People who are in good health and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years should have regular colorectal cancer screenings until age 75.
People are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
Recommended screenings include:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every 5 years
South County Hospital’s New Endoscopy Suite
Technologically Advanced, Comfortable Environment
South County Hospital constructed a new, technologically advanced Endoscopy Suite that is larger, brighter, and equipped to meet patients’ needs. The Suite is focused on patient health and safety for colorectal screenings and procedures, as well as the diagnosis and treatment for other gastrointestinal conditions.
New Technologies
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
This ultrasound system is a minimally invasive procedure to assess digestive (gastrointestinal) and lung diseases. A special endoscope uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of your digestive tract and chest, nearby organs such as the pancreas and liver, and lymph nodes. This is the best system to identify pancreatic cancer.
EUS will also help physicians to determine the extent of spread of certain cancers and to accurately assess the cancer's depth and whether it has spread to adjacent lymph glands or nearby vital structures, such as major blood vessels.
Cupron Enhanced EOS Surfaces
Reprocessing room is equipped with Cupron, a copper-based technology with antimicrobial properties. The synthetic hard-surface material actively kills greater than 99.9% of bacteria within 2 hours of exposure, including the COVID-19 virus, and continuously kills bacteria that contribute to the spread of illnesses.
This technology provides South County Hospital with an additional layer of prevention against Hospital Acquired Infections.
South County Hospital is the first hospital in the state to use this product, made by EOScu.
Schedule your screening at one of our locations:
East Greenwich
South County Health Medical & Wellness Center
3461 South County Trail, Suite 103
401-943-1300
Westerly
South County Health Medical & Wellness Center
268 Post Rd. (Rt. 1)
401-789-1860
