Even during the pandemic, it’s still important that you are focused on your colorectal health.
Since COVID-19 first appeared many people have forgone the necessary checkups for preventive care and screenings they need to keep their health in check. While our New York City gastroenterologist Dr. Azeem Khan with locations in Forest Hills, and Hollis, NY, understands that his patients want to minimize their risks, it’s also important that they aren’t putting off that colonoscopy. After all, this simple procedure saves lives.
Why You Should Get a Colonoscopy
People with colorectal cancer don’t often have symptoms. When they do, they are so minor that they just brush them off. This is why it’s important for patients at high risk for colorectal cancer, as well as men and women over 50 years old, to continue to get colonoscopies and screen for colorectal cancer. It’s the most effective way to diagnose and treat cancer during the early stages.
If you are a high risk for colorectal cancer due to a family history of cancer or because you have an inflammatory bowel disease, you should talk with our New York City gastroenterologist about getting your first colonoscopy by age 45.
This procedure only takes about 30 minutes and it could just save your life. It’s also a great way for our team to be able to determine the cause of:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss
- Bowel changes
- Rectal bleeding
Getting a Colonoscopy During COVID-19
We understand our patients' concerns when it comes to getting any medical procedure during a pandemic. However, we are taking all of the necessary precautions advised by the CDC to ensure that you and all of our patients, staff, and doctors are safe.
We screen all patients prior to coming in and Dr. Khan and his team are wearing personal protective equipment at all times. We are also following all sanitizing guidelines to keep our practice clean and safe from the novel coronavirus.
If you are still hesitant about getting a colonoscopy right now, our New York City gastroenterology team would be happy to discuss with you the many ways in which we are working hard to keep you safe when you come into our practice. We take our patients’ health seriously. If it’s time to schedule your colonoscopy, don’t put it off. Call Forest Hills Gastroenterology at (718) 459-8460 to schedule an appointment at our Forest Hills, and Hollis, NY locations.