The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association partnered with Rep. David Scott (D-GA) for the 11th Annual Health Fair to increase colonoscopy awareness.
"ASCA has long been an advocate for the early detection of colorectal cancer," said CEO of ASCA William Prentice. "We are pleased to participate and thank Representative Scott for the opportunity."
The health fair attracts more than 2,000 of Rep. Scott's constituents each year and provides preventative care services, including breast cancer exams, HIV/AIDS assessment, vision exams and dental exams. This year, ASCA encouraged participants to undergo regular colonoscopies.
Here are five things to know about colonoscopies:
1. The deaths from colorectal cancer have declined for more than two decades, according to the CDC, mostly due to increased screenings.
2. Colorectal cancer continues to kill 50,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of cancer death among non-smokers.
3. If all precancerous polyps were identified and removed before becoming cancerous, the new colorectal cancer cases could be reduced by 76 percent to 90 percent.
4. ASCs perform more than 40 percent of colonoscopies covered by Medicare.