Unlocking Greater Access to Colon Cancer Screening: Discover M Health Fairview’s Innovative Training Program

There’s a strong drive at M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota to improve access to colorectal cancer screenings. Experts recommend starting colonoscopies at age 45. Dr. James Hougas, a family doctor at M Health Fairview, emphasizes, “Screening for colon cancer not only saves lives; it also saves money.”

Recent statistics from the Minnesota Department of Health reveal a troubling trend: colorectal cancer rates for people aged 20 to 49 nearly doubled from 1988 to 2022. In Greater Minnesota, these rates are 12% higher compared to the Twin Cities.

A study in the journal Gastroenterology found that about 69% of counties across the U.S. lack a gastroenterologist, the physician typically performing colonoscopies. This scarcity can make early detection challenging, especially for those in rural areas.

Dr. Hougas plays a vital role in bridging this gap. Since 2017, he has trained family medicine residents at St. John’s Hospital—Minnesota’s only colonoscopy training for these doctors. “Eighty percent of our graduates are serving in counties across Minnesota,” he notes. “They are bringing essential screenings to rural areas that desperately need them.” Interestingly, only about 2% of family doctors nationwide perform colonoscopies.

To further address this issue, the University of Minnesota will launch a rural program this summer in Willmar, training doctors in this critical procedure. Michael Stoltzman, a patient from Woodbury, sees this change as a significant step forward. He recalls his experience with Dr. Hougas: “It was a bit intimidating, but he explained everything clearly.”

Stoltzman had his first colonoscopy at 50, driven by his family’s history of health issues. Dr. Hougas discovered and removed pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure. Stoltzman reflects, “If I had waited five more years, those could have developed into cancer.”

Experts stress the importance of early screenings. A proactive approach can make a big difference in outcomes. When doctors tailor recommendations based on patient history, individuals are more likely to heed their advice.

Ensuring access to colonoscopies can save lives. With efforts from institutions like M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota, more people can receive the screenings they need, regardless of their location.

For further reading on the importance of preventive health measures and screenings, check out the CDC’s guidelines on colorectal cancer.

Check out this related article: DeKalb County Health Systems Bounce Back: Overcoming IT Disruptions to Restore Payroll and Services

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Callan Gray,Health,M Health Fairview,Medical,University of Minnesota