Jacksonville Beach Surgery Center First In The State To Offer New Colon Cancer Screening Technology

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville Beach Surgery Center (JBSC) recently became the first and only provider in Florida to offer new colon cancer detection technology capable of detecting a significantly higher number of pre-cancerous lesions during a colonoscopy.

The Fuse™ endoscope system uses three small cameras at the tip of a flexible GI endoscope, broadening the viewing range of a traditional colonoscope from 170 degrees to 330 degrees and allowing doctors to see nearly twice as much surface area on three screens. In a recent study, Fuse found 69 percent more pre-cancerous lesions than traditional forward-viewing endoscopes, which use a single camera.

"We are pleased to be among just a handful of healthcare providers in the country offering this groundbreaking new technology," said Tim Beluscak, JBSC Administrator. "In addition to enjoying the comfort and convenience our facility offers, patients can now have the peace of mind that they are receiving the most effective screening available at the lowest possible cost."

Aside from increased diagnostic accuracy, there is no difference between a colonoscopy performed using a traditional and Fuse endoscope, and the cost to the patient is the same. Additionally, as an ambulatory surgery center, JBSC is able to offer high quality care at a cost that is up to 50 percent lower than a full-service hospital.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, about 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die. Colonoscopy exams prevent many colon cancer deaths and are the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends adults begin colonoscopy screenings at age 50. African Americans should begin screenings at age 45 while individuals with other risk factors should also begin screenings earlier and be screened more frequently. 

"Whether you're due for your first colonoscopy, a follow-up screening, or simply concerned that a previous test may have missed something, we encourage patients to schedule this important test," said Beluscak. "Most insurance companies cover the cost of screening for patients age 50 and older."

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 904-493-4002.

About Jacksonville Beach Surgery Center
Located in the Beaches Medical Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach Surgery Center is the only freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) at the Beach. With four ORs and one procedure room, the center offers outstanding care across a variety of specialties including ENT, gynecology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopaedics, pain management, podiatry, and urology. For more information, please visit www.jaxbeachsurg.com.

SOURCE Jacksonville Beach Surgery Center