March is a great time to focus on your colon health

Published 5:00 pm Friday, March 14, 2025

With March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Bandy Endoscopy Center, Hamilton Physician Group – Gastroenterology, Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery and the Peeples Cancer Institute are teaming up to promote awareness of the disease.

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable with regular screening. A colonoscopy screening can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting polyps that can easily be removed. If you are 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor today about scheduling a colonoscopy.

Hamilton Medical Center’s Bandy Endoscopy Center offers convenient colonoscopy screenings in a space specifically designed to support gastroenterology health, helping detect issues early, prevent disease and ultimately save lives.

Patients enter through a dedicated entrance and receive expert care from board-certified physicians, gastroenterology nurses and staff. These highly qualified professionals stay up-to-date on the latest advancements, follow best practices and specialize in minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat digestive disorders.

The hospital’s commitment to innovation ensures the endoscopy center has the region’s most advanced technology, including high-definition and narrow-band imaging for better detection and diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders.

Hamilton Physician Group – Gastroenterology offers a full range of screening, diagnostics and medical treatments for digestive diseases, including illnesses or injuries affecting the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and colon. Services include colonoscopy screenings, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), Barryx procedure, Bravo, Pill Cam study, motility studies and treatments for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and hepatitis C.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, the team of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons (Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery) and clinical support staff at the Peeples Cancer Institute are prepared to provide state-of-the-art care in a healing, nurturing environment. The Peeples Cancer Institute centralizes all oncology care in one location to enhance physician collaboration and quality patient care.

For information regarding insurance coverage for colonoscopies or other healthcare screenings, consult with your insurance carrier. To take charge of your colon health, call Hamilton Physician Group – Gastroenterology at (706) 272-4127.

People 45 and older who aren’t experiencing gastrointestinal or heart issues, don’t have diabetes and have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 40 may qualify to schedule a colonoscopy without a physician office visit. Please call (706) 529-3555 to see if you qualify.

About Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Established in 2000, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness and promotes research on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. The goal is to support those affected and encourage healthy habits like screenings, exercise and a balanced diet. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the third most common cancer in men and women.