Colonoscopies Help Reduce Colon Cancer Deaths

WATERBURY, Conn. -- Colon cancer deaths have decreased over the last decade, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). That’s because of colorectal screenings. Colorectal polyps are now being found more often and they are being removed early before they can develop into cancers. In addition, treatments for colorectal cancer have improved markedly over the last few decades.

Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group and Saint Mary’s Hospital Gastroenterology specialists performed over 2,300 colonoscopies in 2021, which resulted in over 50% polyp removal. GI specialist, Priyanka Chugh, M.D., says, “the value of annual colonoscopies for a particular set of patients cannot be overstated. Last year alone my colleagues and I removed over 1,400 polyps preventing more serious cancer cases for our patients.”

One notable statistic according to the ACS, is that although colorectal cancer cases and deaths have decreased in both men and women, they are rising incrementally among those younger than 55. Experts do not know what is causing the rise in colorectal cancer among young adults.

Dr. Chugh says, “We need to bring more awareness to the fact that this is not necessarily an “old person’s disease.” Sharing the warning signs and symptoms of colon cancer is key in getting people to understand the importance of early detection.” In fact, 90% of stage 1 (early) colon cancers are usually treatable with a 90% success rate (based on 5-year survival).

Over the last year, Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group and Saint Mary’s Hospital has worked strategically to grow the gastroenterology service line into a center of excellence. The addition of several specialists has enabled patients to receive any GI- and cancer-related treatments and undergo procedures locally.

Saint Mary’s is one of the few hospitals in Connecticut with the ability to do surgical endoscopic suturing, where advanced polyps and even cancers of the GI tract can be endoscopically removed from the lining of the stomach or colon and the location sutured, allowing for a minimally invasive approach for treating cancer.

Combined with Saint Mary’s interventional radiology, surgery and oncology comprehensive cancer care is available for any cancer of the GI tract. Saint Mary’s was granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer. To achieve this, a cancer program must consistently exceed expectations set by the Commission on Cancer program standards and show a high quality of care and state-of-the-art technology to cancer patients in the community.

To learn more about our gastroenterology team or to make an appointment visit https://www.trinityhealthofne.org/_campaigns/gastroenterology/gastroenterology