VIRGINIA BEACH -- A Va. Beach doctor has teamed up with local producer BJ Liederman to create a Youtube Video they hope will reach 300,000 African Americans.
Dr. Patricia Raymond has been a gastrointestinal specialist for 20 years. Three years ago, a report published by the American College Of Gastroentology said African-Americans should get a colonoscopy at age 45 instead of 50.
"And we have been saying that since 2009. but nobody's said that out loud," said Raymond.
So to say it out loud, she's taking the message to the Internet.
"They've spent about four months training me to try to dance like Beyonce," added Raymond.
Raymond points out there are different treatments for African-Americans than for other races for a number of illnesses -- Hepatitis C and high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and stroke risks are treated differently.
"Colon cancer is just one more of those where we have to pay attention to race and say race is not a forbidden topic. Race is an important part of your medical history," she stressed.
Her new effort centers around awareness that 45 is the age African Americans need to get their colonoscopy.
"If you're health insurance reads you can be screened according to major organization guidelines, your insurance will pay for colonoscopy at age 45 and not 50," she noted.
