Decatur Physician Relocates Practice, Urges African Americans to Seek Screening Early

Feb. 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Atlanta – African-Americans should not to delay their first colon screening.  In fact, this patient group requires a colon test at an earlier age than most.  That’s the message from national health experts and gastroenterologist Shirley Harris, MD.  Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US but the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. It affects men and women of all races; however several studies now show African-Americans have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than other races and are more likely to be detected at a more advanced age.  Dr. Harris notes that African-Americans have a 48-percent higher risk of dying of colorectal cancer than the general population. Much of this is believed to be related to delays in screening.
There are several options for colon screening but a colonoscopy is believed to be the gold standard.  “Many African Americans are not aware that the guideline urges their initial screening at age 45 rather than 50, which is the age for the general population.  This recommendation has been in place for several years, but most minority patients and their primary care physicians are unaware of this,” added Dr. Harris.  She has been treating diseases of the digestive system in metro Atlanta since 1996.  Dr. Harris is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology.  

Early screening can help to prevent colon cancer by the detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps. Early detection of colorectal cancer can result in a 90% survival rate of those affected. Currently, the rate for compliance with screening for colon cancer falls well short of the screening rate as compared to other cancers.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and Dr. Harris believes this is a good time to reach out to the community about this. This is such an important issue that the NIH has called a panel together to seek out ways to increase screening. In 2005, the American College of Gastroenterology issued recommendations to begin colorectal cancer screening in African Americans at age 45 rather than 50 years.

Colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer and data support the recommendation that African-Americans begin screening at a younger age because of the high incidence of colorectal cancer and a greater prevalence of proximal or right-sided polyps and cancerous lesions in this population.

Dr. Harris is an Atlanta gastroenterologist has opened a new office in the heart of Dekalb County.  She is a board certified Gastroenterologist with over 16 years of experience.  To improve service to the community, she has relocated her practice, Gastroenterology Specialists of Dekalb, to 3292 Mountain Drive. The new, contemporary state-of-the-art medical building, conveniently located near the Memorial Drive exit of 285, opened its doors for patient care on February 2. The new office offers several benefits to patients. “Not-with-standing the great and convenient location, we will be able to offer screening colonoscopies in addition to a variety of gastrointestinal consultative services. I think this new location and several other enhancements to the practice, will offer a greater level of service to our patients,” stated Dr. Harris.  

Gastroenterology Specialists of Dekalb will host an open house of the new facility on March 12, 2010 from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M.

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About Gastroenterology Specialists of Dekalb
Gastroenterology Specialists of Dekalb was started in 2005 by Shirley Harris, MD a board certified gastroenterologist. It is the only free standing, 100-percent minority- and female-owned Endoscopy Center in Dekalb County. The practice offers diagnosis, treatment and management of a full range of gastroenterology diseases as well as colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Harris has over 17 years of experience and uses the latest technology and tools to treat and educate patients about gastroenterology diseases. The medical practice has two locations, one in Decatur and the other in Lithonia, Georgia.