Dr. Timothy Tolland, a colon and rectal surgeon at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, recently appeared on FOX35 House Calls to discuss colorectal cancer risks and new, accessible screening options now available at AdventHealth.
“Colonoscopies find polyps, which are pre-cancerous. And, if you are prone to those, or have a family history, you should have a colonoscopy every five years,” advises Tolland. “Colon cancer is preventable with the removal of polyps. Other ways to prevent colon cancer include a low fat and high fiber diet, stop smoking, exercise and lose weight.”
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., affecting 152,000 people annually, of which about one third of patients do not survive. With rising cases among younger adults, the screening age has dropped to 45. Early detection is crucial since symptoms often don’t appear until later stages.
Highlights from Tolland’s interview included:
Screenings Save Lives: Regular screening is the most effective way to catch cancer early. To help make it easy, AdventHealth now offers direct access colonoscopies, meaning if you qualify, you can skip the initial specialist visit and have your procedure scheduled immediately. In addition, at-home screening options provide a simple way to gain peace of mind without visiting a doctor first.
Easy Scheduling Options: If you believe you’re a candidate, you can: Ask your primary care provider for a referral, and the AdventHealth team will handle the rest. Visit www.IncredibleDigestiveCare.com to schedule directly—no referral needed.
- Spotting the Warning Signs: Be alert for symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, or sudden changes in bowel habits. These may be signs that it’s time to get checked.
- Comprehensive Surgical Care: For those diagnosed, AdventHealth offers both traditional and robotic-assisted surgery. Robotic surgery often means smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
To see Tolland’s full FOX35 interview, click here.
