Chris Brandy and Jeffrey Doyle pose in one of Claxton-Hepburn’s endoscopy rooms.

OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Chris Brandy, general surgeon, and Jeffrey Doyle, anesthesiologist, will provide free colonoscopies to St. Lawrence County residents.

“Colorectal cancer affects women and men. While some people with it show symptoms, many do not, and therefore without regular colonoscopies, cancer can go undetected. Colonoscopies are recommended after the age of 50 in order to find and remove polyps that could become problematic in the future. If colon cancer is detected, patients have the greatest chance for survival when treatment is provided early,” Brandy said.

The recent 2012 National County Health Rankings Report indicates St. Lawrence County has topped the charts at 57 out of 62 in poor health outcomes. St. Lawrence County also has the third highest incident rate of colorectal cancer in the state. The data reflects a lower screening and early detection rates for this type of cancer.

Uninsured people over the age of 50 who have never had a colonoscopy or adults of any age with significant risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer will be eligible for a free exam.

To find out if you are eligible contact Claxton-Hepburn’s community relations department at 713-5251.