OMHC Public Service Announcement

Dr. Deanna Davidson, DO, Board Certified in General Surgery, helped

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center in selecting state of the art

endoscopic equipment just this last year. Endoscopic equipment is used

for colonoscopies and upper-endoscopic studies. The service of

colonoscopy identifies and removes pre-cancerous polyps, thereby being

the only screening procedure that prevents colon cancer. Colon cancer is

one of the most preventable cancers, simply by receiving a colonoscopy.

Generally, the recommendation is to have the first screening at the age

of 50, and earlier for patients with a family history of colon cancer.

There are often no symptoms, so routine screening is essential to

prevention. Rectal bleeding may be an indicator of colon cancer and

should be investigated promptly by your physician.

The new equipment at Odessa Memorial will provide higher quality images

thereby allowing Dr. Davidson to more clearly detect abnormalities.

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, screening colonoscopies are now

generally covered by insurance after age 50.

Dr. Davidson performs colonoscopies, gastroscopies and related

procedures at OMHC monthly. She holds office hours weekly on Wednesdays

at the Odessa Rural Health Clinic and is happy to see patients with

surgical needs to include symptoms such as abnormal menstrual bleeding,

gastrointestinal distress (abdominal pain, nausea, acid reflux, etc.),

gynecologic disorder (abdominal bleeding, pain, hormonal issues), breast

masses and cancer, and skin legions or cancer. Dr. Davidson has a

background in general surgery and has been in the area for nearly 20

years. She is committed to caring for the residents of Lincoln County.

Call the Odessa Clinic at 509-982-2614 to schedule your appointment in

Odessa.