Perkins County Health Services highlights screenings during National Colonoscopy Endoscopy Week

Perkins County Health Services (PCHS) in Grant is recognizing National Colonoscopy and Endoscopy Week, March 15–21, by highlighting the importance of early colorectal cancer screening and other services offered by PCHS and led by Drs. Shane Banks and Matt Byrd.

Drs. Byrd and Banks say the week serves as an opportunity to educate the public about screening guidelines, encourage patients to talk with their doctors, and recognize the staff members who provide these lifesaving procedures at PCHS.

Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have recently changed, they said, lowering the recommended age for routine screening from 50 to 45 for most adults. Individuals with a direct family history of colon cancer or large polyps are encouraged to begin screening earlier, often at age 40.

Medical staff at PCHS say awareness of these updated guidelines is critical.

“We want people to know when they should be screened and to call if they meet the criteria,” Dr. Banks said. “If they have a family history or symptoms lasting more than 30 days, it’s important to talk to their doctor.”

A colonoscopy is the best screening method to detect cancer early, allowing physicians to examine the colon and remove polyps before they become cancerous, Dr. Banks said.

Drs. Byrd and Banks said PCHS’s screening efforts have been steadily increasing. Over the past five years, the incidence of colorectal cancer nationwide among adults ages 45 to 64 has grown by about 3% annually.

Reflecting on both the increased awareness and the proactive outreach by the medical team at PCHS, they said the trend underscores the importance of education and early detection.

According to PCHS CEO Neil Hilton, during the past year, Dr. Byrd and Dr. Banks together have performed a combined 460 endoscopy procedures, primarily colonoscopies, which is an examination of the large intestine, and also EGD addressing issues within the upper digestive tract. Hilton said the 460 procedures were completed almost evenly between the two physicians.

When thinking of accessing routine screening services, patients need to be aware that many insurance plans do cover routine screenings, but coverage may change if a polyp is discovered and removed during the procedure, Dr. Banks said.  Because policies vary, patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider, or contact the hospital’s financial office for clarification before scheduling a procedure.

In addition to its endoscopy services, the surgery department at PCHS performs a wide variety of other surgical procedures including colon cancer surgery, hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, breast biopsies, mastectomies, vasectomies, and skin cancer treatments, Dr. Banks said.

Dr. Byrd and Dr. Banks recognize the facility and staff at PCHS as exceptional, with patient comfort being a priority, including providing private rooms that allow family members to remain with patients and have privacy before and after procedures. Both physicians also acknowledge Diane Zwickl, BSN RN, as Director of Surgical Services and the entire surgical department staff as being outstanding in their commitment to excellent patient care. 

CEO Hilton said, “Everything is so diligently accomplished and well-served clearly because of the people involved, as is always and will forever be most important in the delivery of healthcare services. Our entire surgical department staff, individually and as a collective team are just fantastic—PCHS is blessed to have such a talented roster of great people, personally and professionally.”

PCHS encourages the public to have awareness of screening guidelines and to consult their primary care provider regarding getting screened. Questions about scheduling a screening or any other surgical procedures may be directed to Dr. Banks at 352-7133 and for Dr. Byrd at 352-7100.