Free colonoscopies for the uninsured

(WTNH) - More and more Connecticut doctors are doing what they can to help the growing number of the uninsured in our state. One major practice is offering free colonoscopies with March designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

The Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut in Hamden is offering what it has dubbed "Free 30 for 30" colonoscopies to the uninsured.

"We've seen alot of patients and friends undergo economic hardships that prevent them from feasibly pursuing these types of important preventive strategies," said Dr. Dean Chang of Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer death. But, it is also the most preventable through colonoscopy.

"A colonoscopy is 80-90 percent effective in preventing colon cancer," said Dr. Chang.

It involves a camera about the same size as in cellphones.

"We're actually magnifying what we're seeing and it allows us to detect very early lesions or concerning areas," said Dr. Chang.

Jamie, with a family history, is back for a second colonoscopy after doctors found benign polyps three years ago.

"They found four small ones this time," Jamie said.

But Jamie has insurance.

"Four small ones, which not be to be concerned about. Everything went fine but as I said, they could grow if you don't come back and they could develop into cancer," she said.

For more information on this program, call 203-281-4463 or click here .