Gastroenterologists treat any number of GI-related issues and concerns. Unfortunately, they treat one issue more than any other: colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is deemed to be the number one cause of GI-related mortality in the United States and beyond. Luckily, thanks to the high number of gastroenterologists in the US and the technology of colonoscopies, more and more people are getting diagnosed early! An early diagnosis means a better prognosis and a better chance of surviving.

Believe it or not, over the past decade, the number of Americans who are up-to-date on cancer screenings rose to a whopping 65%. That’s because a higher number of gastroenterologists are recommending early testing. Due to this early testing, colon cancer rates among Americans age 50 and older has dropped 30 percent over the past 10 years. Though colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the US, gastroenterologists are doing their part to help ease the burden and lower the death rate.

If you ever needed a good reason to thank your gastroenterologist, this might just be a good reason! After all, this profession really does save lives.