A new addition at Quentin Mease Health Center, a Harris Health System specialty facility rededicated in 2023, promises to provide patients with more early cancer detection and prevention procedures. Through the Harris Health Endoscopy Center at Quentin Mease, staff will perform colonoscopies and other diagnostic exams for cancer.
The 8,000-square-foot center features eight procedure suites, 11 pre-operative beds and 18 post-operative beds. It recently opened with two procedure suites with plans to increase operations over the next two years. When fully operational, staff expect to perform more than 17,000 procedures annually.
“Sadly, there are many patients needing colonoscopies and other exams every day in our community,” reports Alice Kohler, nursing director, Harris Health Endoscopy Center. “We know that any delays in getting a quick diagnosis can result in poor outcomes for otherwise treatable cancers. Patients receiving timely screenings and getting them into treatment is a priority at the new center.”
Warning: Undefined variable $posClass in /home1/mjhnewsc/public_html/wp-content/plugins/ap-plugin-scripteo/lib/functions.php on line 1078
While a bulk of the screening involve colonoscopies, one of best screening tools for cancers of the rectum and lower colon, additional screenings include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), exams of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, as well as gallbladder, pancreas, liver and digestive tract. Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. for both men and women. Among African Americans, colorectal cancer is about 20% more likely diagnosed with about 40% more likely to die from it compared to other ethnic groups, according to the American Cancer Society.
Warning: Undefined variable $posClass in /home1/mjhnewsc/public_html/wp-content/plugins/ap-plugin-scripteo/lib/functions.php on line 1078
“Our new center allows us to expand access and support the needs of our patients to receive timely and appropriate treatment,” adds Matthew Reeder, administrator, Ambulatory Care Services, Harris Health.
Warning: Undefined variable $posClass in /home1/mjhnewsc/public_html/wp-content/plugins/ap-plugin-scripteo/lib/functions.php on line 1078