VA Long Beach Healthcare System

GI lab healthcare professionals demonstrate one of many gastrointestinal procedures provided at VA Long Beach.

Cytology, endoscopies, colonoscopies, training simulations, esophagogastroduodenoscopies: you name it, and if it's got to do with the gastrointestinal system, the GI Lab has it. The staff put on a brilliant display of the services they provide for our Veterans March 26 during their Open House and Colorectal Cancer Awareness event.

Colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon or rectum) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. But it doesn’t have to be. When this cancer is found and removed early, the chances of a full recovery are very good. If everyone aged 50 years or older had a regular screening test, at least 60 percent of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

Because colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, screening for the disease is important. It’s even more crucial if you have risk factors for the disease. Learn more about colorectal cancer and its risk factors. Then talk to your doctor about being screened.

Your risk of having colorectal cancer increases if you:

•Are 50 years of age or older.

•Have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.

•Have a personal history of certain kinds of colorectal polyps, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

•Have a family history of colorectal cancers.

•Have colorectal polyps.