Colonoscopies 

A colonoscopy may be recommended as a screening test for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. A colonoscopy may also be recommended by your doctor to evaluate for symptoms such as bleeding and chronic diarrhea. A colonoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of your large intestine (colon) for abnormalities, with a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope. It has its own lens and light source and it allows your doctor to view images on a video monitor.

Call 715-284-3678 to schedule your colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Patient Packet

Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Procedures

Upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, and will view the images on a video monitor. Upper endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate symptoms of upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. It's also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

EGD Patient Packet 

Colon Cancer is Preventable

When colon cancer is found early, 90 percent of people survive. That is 9 out of 10. There are many ways to protect your colon health and these will help overall health as well.

• Eat lots of veggies, fruits and whole grains. Avoid processed meats like hot dogs and lunch meats. Jackson in Action has many great recipes on their website.
• Don’t smoke. Period. There are many ways to quit, check out. Don’t quit trying to stop smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day at least 5 times a week. This could be a brisk walk in the beautiful Lunda Park or on the scenic Foundation Trail.
• Check your weight and lose those extra pounds. Talk to a doctor to determine a healthy weight.
• Drink less alcohol – no more than one drink a day for women; no more than 2 drinks a day for men.
• Get a colonoscopy. For those with family history or who are 50 and older, the best way to find colon cancer or pre-cancerous polyps is with a colonoscopy.

The American Cancer Society offers many helpful resources like questions to ask your doctor, signs and symptoms of colon cancer, healthy living tips and more. If you have questions about colon cancer, getting a colonoscopy or need prevention tips, talk to your primary care provider.