Central Illinois Endoscopy Center Launches New Website to Assist in Reducing Colon Cancer Deaths

Online, August 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Peoria based Central Illinois Endoscopy Center (CIEC) is on a mission to keep their community free from colon cancer. To achieve this, they have launched a new website filled with life saving information on colon cancer prevention and detection. The website is one of several changes the center has recently made to improve community education on this important topic.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colonoscopy procedures are used by the vast majority of clinicians as the primary tool to screen for colon cancer, due to the fact that routine colonoscopy screenings can prevent 90% of colon cancer deaths. A reduction in colon cancer is directly linked to patient education. Early detection of any malignancy leads to a cure. Approximately 5 years ago, a survey was conducted disclosing approximately 30% of the population, ages 50 and over, were screened in Central Illinois.

"There is a large amount of confusing and misleading information about colonoscopy screening and colon cancer online," said Karen Smith, Interim Executive Director at CIEC. "It is very important that we provide the community with unbiased and accurate information on colon cancer prevention. We feel we have succeeded in doing this with our new website."

A large portion of the website includes popular questions and concerns people have regarding colon health. These include myths and misconceptions about colorectal cancer, how to prepare for a colonoscopy and why a colonoscopy is important. Other features include a blog and video library, both of which feature articles and videos related to colon health, colon cancer detection and prevention.

Launching alongside the website is CIEC's "Kick in the Rear" campaign, which allows people to forward a colonoscopy reminder to themselves, a friend or a family member.

"We want everyone to get involved in the screening process," said Eli Kuga, MD Gastroenterologist at CIEC. "Children can remind their parents to have screenings, wives can remind husbands. If people start talking about how colonoscopy screenings prevent colon cancer, colon cancer rates in Illinois will drop. That is how we make a difference," added Kuga.

To learn more about CIEC and the strides they are taking toward preventing colon cancer, visit them online at http://www.ciendoscopy.com or call (309) 495-1144.

About Central Illinois Endoscopy Center
Central Illinois Endoscopy Center is downstate Illinois largest freestanding, dedicated endoscopy center. CIEC is the Peoria areas first outpatient center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The team at CIEC is committed to providing each patient with the highest quality care utilizing advanced technology in a comfortable environment. For more information, please visit www.ciendoscopy.com.

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Melanie Herron, (e)Merge, [email protected] or 877.362.6584 to discuss the business aspect of this release.

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