Butt Seriously…Get a colonoscopy at RiverView Health.
You may have seen RiverView’s latest colonoscopy campaign on billboards or social media. The initial goal is to catch your attention. The ultimate goal is to get you in for a routine screening that could save your life.
If “butt” doesn’t get your attention, maybe the facts will: In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth-leading cause in women, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s expected to cause about 52,900 deaths in 2025. The good news in the fight against colorectal cancer is that death rates have been dropping in older adults for several decades. Screening colonoscopies are reported to be a big reason for this shift. Colorectal polyps are now being found more often by screening colonoscopies and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening also results in many colorectal cancers being found earlier, when they are likely to be easier to treat.
When caught early, colorectal cancer is 90% treatable. However, in people younger than 50, death rates increased by 2.4% per year from 2012 to 2021. For this reason, the recommended screening age was decreased to 45 in 2021. Statistics show that if everyone 45 and older were screened regularly, as many as half of the deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided.
Screening Time
Brian Grunhovd, of Fertile, had his first colonoscopy in January at RiverView Health. Having no family history of colorectal cancer, Grunhovd’s trigger for the screening was simply the fact that he was 45, and his primary care provider, Erika Beckett, CNP, recommended it while he was having his annual appointment in December. Fast-forward just a few weeks, and he had completed his pre-procedure appointment with Dr. Brett Vibeto, a general surgeon at RiverView, who would perform the colonoscopy. After a day of preparation, which Grunhovd reported was much easier than he anticipated; he was in Crookston for the procedure on Jan. 23. From start to finish, he spent about 2 ½ hours at RiverView. He felt well enough to go out for dinner that evening.
During Grunhovd’s procedure, Dr. Vibeto removed one polyp and sent it to be biopsied. Fortunately, the report returned stating that the polyp was benign, giving Grunhovd the “all clear.” However, because a polyp was present, Grunhovd will need to return for a repeat colonoscopy in seven years. The timeframe for colonoscopy screenings is every 10 years if nothing was found in a patient’s previous screening.
Colonoscopy vs. Other Screens
“Colorectal cancer screening is important, whether it’s a colonoscopy or Cologuard,” Dr. Vibeto stated. “It’s a vital part of health maintenance.”
Cologuard is a stool DNA test for colorectal cancer that RiverView offers. While Cologuard may be more convenient and less invasive, a positive result (indicating potential precancerous polyps) requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential polyp removal. According to Dr. Vibeto, about 30% of patients have polyps. Cologuard is also less accurate than a colonoscopy. However, Dr. Vibeto recommends any screening tool for colorectal cancer. “As long as someone is doing something, it’s important. All screenings are good,” Dr. Vibeto shared.
Summing up his experience, Grunhovd said he was happy with how quickly he was scheduled for his pre-procedure visit and the colonoscopy. The entire process took only weeks. “Overall, the prep was pretty easy, I came in for the procedure, fell asleep, and that was it,” he reported. “Peace of mind is probably the best part about getting screened. Now I know I’m clear.” Talk to your primary care provider to determine when you should start screening. You may need to begin screening earlier than 45 if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or have a personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease.
You do not need a referral for a colonoscopy unless your insurance requires it. Call 281.9595 to schedule a pre-procedure appointment or for more information. Butt Seriously…get a colonoscopy at RiverView Health.
Brian Grunhovd, left, and Dr. Brett Vibeto discuss Grunhovd’s recent colonoscopy at RiverView Health.
The post RiverView Health is reminding those 45 and older to schedule a screening colonoscopy first appeared on KROX.