JACKSON, Wyo. — This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, getting screened at St. John’s Health is easier than ever.
Dr. Eric Wieman, who specializes in colon health and robotic procedures, said he sees a spike in patients every spring coinciding with the awareness month in March. With a second endoscopy location on the way, he encourages locals to book an appointment.
“Getting a screening appointment is super simple,” Dr. Wieman said. “You can do it from your phone!”
People 45 or older can schedule a colonoscopy at St. John’s Health without a doctor’s referral or office visit. To get started today, just fill out the online pre-registration form at www.stjohns.health/colonoscopy, and one of our nurses will follow up directly with next steps.
According to Dr. Wieman, guidelines around screenings have evolved in recent years. The recommended screening age has been lowered from 50 to 45, and anyone with family history of colorectal cancer can be seen even earlier.
“It’s always a good idea to talk with your family members,” Dr. Wieman said. “Learn your family history. Take a little bit of ownership with that.”
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the large intestine. A colonoscope is a lighted, flexible tube, about one half inch in diameter. It is passed from the rectum throughout the entire large intestine to examine for polyps, tumors, inflammation, bleeding, and ulcers. Patients will receive IV sedation so that they are comfortable.
A colonoscopy may be necessary to diagnose the cause of:
- Blood in stool
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden weight loss
- Colon abnormalities in X-rays
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation
Experiencing symptoms? Get screened at St. John’s Health.
