For immediate release Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut, PC is giving back to the community with its third annual "Free 30-in-30" Program during Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The physicians of Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut, PC and anesthesiologists of Milford Anesthesia Associates announce their "Free 30-in- 30" program which will provide 30 free colonoscopies in 30 days to patients that have been impacted by the economy.
As a result of last year’s 30-in-30 program, we performed 30 free screening colonoscopies, removed over 47 polyps, 7 precancerous polyps, diagnosed diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and hemorrhoids. This proved to be a successful program for all patients and allowed our providers to give back to their community.
As of March 1
Colon Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Early detection can increase the rate of survival. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country and third leading cause of cancer death. While early screening has reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer, the ACS estimates that about half of the eligible population has not been screened.
"As gastroenterologists, we see how colorectal cancer dramatically affects the lives of people regardless of race, sex, or socioeconomic status. We know that there are safe and effective ways of preventing this disease starting with screening. At a time of record unemployment, there are many people who will not be screened due to loss of their health insurance," said Philip Jaffe, MD and Managing Partner of Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut, P.C. "Unfortunately, delays in screening can lead to devastating consequences for many families that are already suffering through extremely difficult times. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and a good time to address this growing problem. We are pleased to be able to provide this service and are also indebted to the Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut Pathology Laboratory, Milford Anesthesia Associates, Dr. George Yavorek, The Hospital of Saint Raphael, the Departments of Pathology and Radiology at Hospital of Saint Raphael and the Department of Anesthesiology at Hospital of Saint Raphael, who have all agreed to provide their ancillary service including pathology interpretation, surgery, radiology, hospitalization and other services free of charge."
Mark B. Taylor, MD and Managing Partner of Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut, P.C. adds, "Our physicians already provide healthcare to many uninsured and underinsured patients through our work in the clinics at the Hospital of Saint Raphael and this program is a natural extension of these services. It is our sincere hope that by doing our part to help people in the community we can have a positive impact on their lives."
For more information about our program, please contact Michele at (203) 281-4463 x5171. st, 2012 the physicians of Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut, PC, and anesthesiologists of Milford Anesthesia Associates are donating their time and facilities again in Hamden and Guilford to perform 30 free screening colonoscopies to help those in our communities who are without health insurance.