colonoscopy Archives - Granite Peaks Gastroenterology of Utah

The Quick and Easy Way to Learn About a Colonoscopy

Posted on March 16, 2022March 16, 2022 by Granite Peaks

Originally posted on 3/11/2019
Updated on 3/16/2022

If you’re not sure what is involved in having a colonoscopy, this easy-to-read infographic developed by the doctors at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology may answer your questions. A physician may use a colonoscopy to test for colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and many other digestive health ailments. It allows a physician to visually examine the inside of your large intestine and remove polyps, gather biopsies or evaluate damage from other conditions.

It’s easier than you think and could uncover the answers to your digestive health problems. Contact Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, in Sandy or Lehi, to determine what is the next step to diagnosing your digestive issues.

Download Information

colonoscopy micrographic

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

Posted on March 10, 2022March 14, 2022 by R. Kyle Barnett

Originally posted on 3/5/2019
Updated on 3/10/2022

By R. Kyle Barnett, MD

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined in the United States, but most cases are preventable with appropriate screening. Efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening are urgently needed.

Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for people at average risk of colorectal cancer at age 45, although some insurance companies have not adapted this recommendation as of yet. Higher risk individuals (for example, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, those with a prior history of polyps or those with inflammatory bowel disease) may need to start screening at an earlier age.

How should I be screened?

Various test options are available for colorectal cancer screening.

1. Stool-based tests check the stool for signs of cancer and include fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year or stool DNA test (Cologuard) every 3 years.

2. Visual exams of the colon and rectum look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas and include colonoscopy every 10 years or less, depending on the outcome, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.

Note: If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

Each test has pros and cons, and one might be a better option for you than another. The most important thing is to GET SCREENED!

My doctor recently recommended a stool DNA test for screening. Is that test as effective as a colonoscopy?

The simple answer is No.

-Cologuard detects the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells by testing DNA from stool samples. It requires no bowel prep, no pre-test diet or medication changes, is done at home and is fairly inexpensive, often covered by insurance.

-However, studies indicate Cologuard detects only 92% of cancers and detects only 42% of precancerous polyps, making it far less effective as a preventative tool.

-It has a 13% false positive rate (meaning the test reads positive in the absence of disease), requiring further testing or confirmation with colonoscopy. This colonoscopy would not be covered by most insurance companies as a screening test; it would be considered a diagnostic test.

-Cologuard must be used for screening every 3 years, as compared to colonoscopy every 10 years – if no polyps were found.

-Colonoscopy detects more than 95% of cancers and more than 80% of all polyps, some of which could be precancerous. In addition, colonoscopy can detect other diseases and allows for the immediate removal of polyps (some of which are precancerous growths).

Does insurance cover my colorectal screening test?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. At this time, many, but not all insurers cover the cost of colorectal cancer screening before the age of 50. However, the ACA doesn’t apply to health plans that were in effect before the law was passed in 2010. Check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Make a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Get screened! Contact Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to schedule your colon cancer screening today.

Anal Fissures Symptoms and Treatment

Posted on June 6, 2017April 18, 2019 by Andrew Heiner

By Kelsey Tolbert and Andrew Heiner, MD

Your rectal pain and bleeding may actually be from a fissure
Anal fissures are one of the most common rectal disorders. They are caused by a tear or cut in the anal canal. The symptoms often mimic those of hemorrhoids, and therefore fissures are often mistreated or misdiagnosed. An anal fissure can be acute (lasting < 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting >6 weeks).

Symptoms
The main symptom associated with an anal fissure is pain with defecation. The severity of pain ranges from a mild discomfort to a debilitating, stabbing sensation. Pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours and sufferers often describe the sensation as the feeling that they are “pooping glass.” Anal fissures may also cause bright red bleeding with bowel movements, itching, and/or anal spasm.

Causes
Anal fissures occur when there is high pressure in the anal canal, resulting in the anal sphincter muscle being stretched beyond its capacity. This most frequently occurs with constipation, diarrhea, childbirth, anal intercourse or other trauma.

While fissures are most often benign, they can also be manifestations of more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease malignancy or sexually transmitted infections. If you have symptoms of a fissure, especially if symptoms persist for more than 4-8 weeks, you should see your healthcare provider.

Acute Anal Fissures
The vast majority of anal fissures fall into this category. Acute fissures heal on their own within a few weeks and only require mild conservation therapy. Common ways to treat fissures include:

– Taking warm baths. Fill a tub with a few inches of warm water and sit for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day, particularly after bowel movements. The warm water will help to relax the sphincter muscle to promote healing and pain relief. Toilet seat sitz baths are an inexpensive alternative and can be purchased online or at most grocery stores.
– Softening or bulking up stool. Avoiding constipation and diarrhea is very important to the healing and prevention of an anal fissure. Taking Metamucil or Citrucel fiber powder twice daily will help to give stool form and promote complete evacuation. Stool softeners or MiraLAX can also be used.

Chronic Anal Fissures
The presence of an anal fissure often causes the anal sphincter muscle to spasm. This spasm can cause the edges of the cut to widen (worsening the tear) and reduce blood flow to the area (prolonging healing). For these reasons, anal fissures can become a cyclical and chronic problem. Chronic anal fissures are treated by a health care provider, often in conjunction with fiber supplementation and warm baths. Common treatments for chronic fissures include ointments, creams, Botox injections, medications, and/or surgery. In some cases, treatment of hemorrhoids can improve anal fissures and prevent reoccurrence.

When to see a Doctor
– If symptoms persist for more than 4-8 weeks
– If you develop rectal bleeding
– If pain is impacting daily activities
– If you develop a change in bowel habits

Each of these can be signs of a more serious condition or may reflect the need for more aggressive treatment. At your appointment, your physician will most likely perform an anal exam and may refer you to have a colonoscopy.

Prevention
Anal fissures can usually be prevented by regulation bowel movements to avoid straining or irritation. This is best achieved by eating well, exercising, and staying well hydrated. Taking a daily fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel powder is also a good idea, as this promotes overall bowel health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anal fissures, schedule an appointment with a Granite Peaks Gastroenterology physician today.

Understanding Colon Polyps and Treatment

Posted on March 28, 2017February 14, 2019 by fuelmarketing

By American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

What Is a Colon Polyp?
Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms) involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in diameter. They look like small bumps growing from the lining of the bowel and protruding into the lumen (bowel cavity). They sometimes grow on a “stalk” and look like mushrooms. Some polyps can also be flat. Many patients have several polyps scattered in different parts of the colon. Some polyps can contain small areas of cancer, although the vast majority of polyps do not.

How Common Are Colon Polyps? What Causes Them?
Polyps are very common in adults, who have an increased chance of acquiring them, especially as we get older. While quite rare in 20-year-olds, it’s estimated that the average 60-year-old without special risk factors for polyps has a 25 percent chance of having a polyp. We don’t know what causes polyps. Some experts believe a high-fat, low-fiber diet can be a predisposition to polyp formation. There may be a genetic risk to develop polyps as well.

What Are Known Risks for Developing Polyps?
The biggest risk factor for developing polyps is being older than 50. A family history of colon polyps or colon cancer increases the risk of polyps. Also, patients with a personal history of polyps or colon cancer are at risk of developing new polyps. In addition, there are some rare polyp or cancer syndromes that run in families and increase the risk of polyps occurring at younger ages.

There are two common types: hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. The hyperplastic polyp is not at risk for cancer. The adenoma, however, is thought to be the precursor (origin) for almost all colon cancers, although most adenomas never become cancers. Histology examination of tissue under a microscope) is the best way to differentiate between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps.

Although it’s impossible to tell which adenomatous polyps will become cancers, larger polyps are more likely to become cancers and some of the largest ones (those larger than 1 inch) can already contain small areas of cancer. Because your doctor cannot be certain of the tissue type by the polyp’s appearance, doctors generally recommend removing all polyps found during a colonoscopy.

How Are Polyps Found?
Most polyps cause no symptoms. Larger ones can cause blood in the stools, but even they are usually asymptomatic. Therefore, the best way to detect polyps is by screening individuals with no symptoms. Several other screening techniques are available: testing stool specimens for traces of blood, performing sigmoidoscopy to look into the lower third of the colon, or using a radiology test such as a barium enema or CT colonography. If one of these tests finds or suspects polyps, your doctor will generally recommend colonoscopy to remove them. Because colonoscopy is the most accurate way to detect polyps, many experts now recommend colonoscopy as a screening method so that any polyps found or suspected can be removed during the same procedure.

How Are Polyps Removed?
Most polyps found during colonoscopy can be completely removed during the procedure. Various removal techniques are available; most involve removing them with a wire loop biopsy forceps and/or burning the polyp base with an electric current. This is called polyp resection. Because the bowel’s lining isn’t sensitive to cutting or burning, polyp resection doesn’t cause discomfort. Resected polyps are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine the tissue type and to detect any cancer. If a large or unusual looking polyp is removed or left for possible surgical management, the endoscopist may mark the site by injecting small amounts of sterile India ink or carbon black into the bowel wall. this is called endoscopic tattooing.

What Are the Risks of Polyp Removal?
Polyp removal (or polypectomy) during colonoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure. Possible complications, which are uncommon, include bleeding from the polypectomy site and perforation (a hole or tear) of the colon. Bleeding from the polypectomy site can be immediate or delayed for several days; persistent bleeding can almost always be stopped by treatment during colonoscopy. Perforations rarely occur and may require surgery to repair.

How Often Do I Need Colonoscopy if I Have Polyps Removed?
Your doctor will decide when your next colonoscopy is necessary. The timing depends on several factors, including the numbe and size of polyps removed, the polyps’ tissue type and the quality of the colon cleansing for your previous procedure. The quality of cleansing affects your doctor’s ability to see the surface of the colon.

If the polyps were small and the entire colon was well seen during your colonoscopy, doctors generally recommend a repeat colonoscopy in three to five years. If your repeat colonoscopy doesn’t show any indication of polyps, you might not need another procedure for an additional five years.

However, if the polyps were large and flat, your doctor might recommend an interval of only months before a repeat colonoscopy to assure complete polyp removal. Your doctor will discuss those options with you.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The preceding information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Cancer Survivor Story: Stacey

Posted on March 23, 2017March 28, 2017 by fuelmarketing

Stacey works as a procedure scheduler at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology. When she was thirty years old and pregnant with her youngest child, she found a lump in her breast. The lump turned out to be cancerous, and it didn’t look good for Stacey. But after going through harsh chemotherapy and treatment, Stacey is a cancer survivor.

Eight years later, Stacey began working at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology. “At the time, I was desperately needing a job,” she says, “but I wasn’t happy about it…all I could think about was how upset I was to be talking to patients about their bowel habits all day.” Little did she know that her new job would be a blessing in disguise. Stacey tells us:

“One morning, I was chatting with a new coworker about my battles with breast cancer. One of our doctors, Dr. Heiner, overheard the conversation and asked me if I had ever had a colonoscopy. Shocked, I sternly replied, ‘I am thirty-eight years old, no I have not had a colonoscopy!’ He told me that breast cancer and colon cancer are very closely related, and the next thing I know, he’s scheduled me for a procedure the very next day.”

“So there I was, about to have a colonoscopy performed by my employer, wondering how I was going to go into work to face him after he’s seen my best side. As the sedation wore off and I woke up, Dr. Heiner was there smiling and proud and said, ‘The colonoscopy just saved your life.’ He went on to explain that he had found precancerous polyps and that I would have never made it to forty if I hadn’t had the procedure.”

“Thirteen years later and I am still here, a cancer survivor, preaching to the choir every single day. I have had five colonoscopies since and have had precancerous polyps each time. I can’t begin to tell people how important [colonoscopy screening] is. That’s why I love my job so much, I love sharing my story to help people understand and spread colon cancer awareness.”

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S.. But when colorectal cancer is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is 90%. Screening and early detection saves lives. Schedule a colonoscopy with Granite Peaks Gastroenterology today.

Meet Colon Cancer Survivor Ben

Posted on March 16, 2017February 14, 2019 by fuelmarketing

At age 59, Ben noticed he had been experiencing subtle changes in his bowel movements for the past nine months. He decided to talk with his internist about his symptoms. Ben’s internal medicine physician mentioned that he was very overdue for his colonoscopy screening. Since Ben didn’t have a family history of colon cancer, he should have had a colonoscopy done at age 50. Knowing he could not put it off any longer, Ben scheduled a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist.

Ben’s colonoscopy revealed a large cancerous polyp that had gone through the colon wall and spread into his lymph system. Faced with a diagnosis of Stage IVA colon cancer, his chances of survival were lower than he hoped for.

With his gastroenterologist’s support, Ben was optimistic that he could beat colon cancer. He had surgery to remove the section of the colon containing the cancer, along with the lymph nodes. Six months of chemotherapy was the next step in his brave fight against colon cancer. During those hard days of chemo treatment and its challenging side effects, Ben maintained his positive attitude and was determined to be a colon cancer survivor.

Ben is now 75 years old and his follow-up colonoscopies have not shown any recurrence of cancer. Ben IS a colon cancer survivor — and he wants everyone to know just how important colorectal screening is. Colonoscopy screening is vital for those aged 50 and older, having abnormal bowel movements, or with a family history of cancer. Get a colonoscopy. It can save your life, just as it did Ben’s.

Call Granite Peaks GI today to schedule your colonoscopy at (801) 619-9000 or request an appointment online.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month; Age 50 & Over Most At Risk

Posted on March 1, 2016January 19, 2018 by fuelmarketing

Colorectal cancer is Utah’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths; patients have a 90 percent survival rate with early detection.

March is dedicated as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread colon cancer screening awareness and urge preventative screening for those 50 and older. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and in Utah. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 5%. Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are age 50 or older, yet one-third of adults in this age group have not been screened. When colon cancer is detected early, there is a 90% survival rate.

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, in accordance with the National Cancer Institute and the entire medical community, recommends that routine colon cancer screening begin with a colonoscopy at the age of 50 for those at average risk. Individuals who are at high risk, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, should be tested earlier.

Most colon cancers start as small pre-cancerous growths called polyps. It may take up to ten years for a polyp to develop into colon cancer. The physicians at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology know that a colonoscopy, with the early detection and removal of these polyps, is the most powerful weapon available to prevent colon cancer.

Dr. Christopher Cutler, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Granite Peaks, says, “Colon cancer is preventable. A screening colonoscopy is painless, modest, safe and covered by Medicare as well as nearly all private insurance plans. This simple test could save your life. Many of my patients have remarked, ‘If I had known how easy this procedure is, I would have scheduled a colonoscopy a long time ago.’”

There are often no obvious symptoms of colon cancer, but individuals should see their physician if they experience any of the following symptoms: blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramps that don’t go away, a change in bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss.

It is important to contact a gastroenterologist to schedule your colonoscopy screening.

Colonoscopy Myths

Posted on August 28, 2015February 6, 2019 by fuelmarketing

Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in this country. Approximately 1 in 3 people who develop colon cancer die from this disease. But colon cancer is preventable. A screening can save your life! So why have only two-thirds of Americans over the age of 50 been screened for a colonoscopy? Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about colonoscopies which may discourage people from undergoing this life-saving procedure.

Myth: It hurts.

Fact: With the use of the sedative propofol, there is no pain. Most people say, “That was the best sleep I have had in years.” There may be some mild cramping after the procedure which quickly goes away when you pass gas.

Myth: The preparation is unpleasant.

Fact: While many people say this is the worst part of the process, the fact is that bowel preps today really have minimal taste. And you no longer need to drink an entire gallon. Most preps are about 1/2 gallon given in a split dose; half the night before the procedure and half the morning of the procedure.

Myth: It is embarrassing.

Fact: A colonoscopy is an invasive test. But your doctor and nurse will do everything possible to ensure the most private, respectful, and modest experience for you.

Myth: There are risks.

Fact: When performed by specially-trained physicians (gastroenterologists), colonoscopies are extremely safe. The risk of perforation (tear in the colon) is less than 1 in 1,000, and the risk of bleeding is less than 1 in 100.

Myth: It takes too long. I’ll miss too much work.

Fact: You will need to arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled procedure to fill out paperwork, have an IV started, and give your medical history to the nurse. The actual procedure only takes 15-20 minutes. You will then spend 15-30 minutes in recovery. So the total time you are at the medical facility is usually less than 1 and 1/2 hours. You are advised not to drive for 4 hours. After that, it’s back to normal.

Myth: Colon cancer only affects men.

Fact: Men and women have nearly an equal risk of developing colon cancer.

Myth: I don’t have any symptoms. I’m not at risk for colon cancer.

Fact: Colon cancer starts as a precancerous growth in your colon called a polyp. Most polyps don’t cause any symptoms. A colonoscopy detects polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Myth: It costs too much.

Fact: Medicare and Medicaid cover 100% of a screening colonoscopy if you are age 50 or older. Almost all private insurances cover colonoscopies as well. And even if you don’t have insurance, many physicians offer a private pay discount.

Don’t delay. Call the experienced specialists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology and schedule your colonoscopy today. It could save your life. Join the many who have said, “If I had known how easy this procedure was, I would have scheduled it a long time ago!”

Get to know your doctors!

Posted on June 4, 2014June 13, 2017 by fuelmarketing

At Granite Peaks, we believe it’s very important to learn about your provider, and their goals that are aimed at creating the best patient care possible.

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology brings a new dimension to healthcare in Utah. Formed in Sandy, Utah, Granite Peaks brings together a team of well-established physicians and staff with the common goal of creating a fully integrated digestive health center of excellence. The physicians are board-certified in gastroenterology and fully trained in all modalities of GI care. Granite Peaks Gastroenterology is committed to providing exceptional quality of care through medical excellence, impeccable service, compassion and the use of state-of-the-art technology in a welcoming environment.

Dr. R. Kyle Barnett

Dr. Barnett attended Texas Tech University for his undergraduate studies and then graduated from Texas Tech University School of Medicine with his medical degree in 1987. He completed his internship and residency with board certification in the field of internal medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1990. He is involved in GI research as well as the inpatient and outpatient practice of gastroenterology- including gastrointestinal, biliary, liver and pancreatic disorders. He is on the active staff at Alta View and Lone Peak hospital and is on all insurance panels in Utah. “Gastroenterologists face a number of challenges in their daily routine, and that certainly contributed to my wanting to become a GI specialist. I enjoy a good challenge… and the rewards of being able to have a direct and positive impact on how people feel and on the quality of the lives they lead. For more than a decade and a half, I’ve enjoyed what I do. A big part of this is knowing that it is important and does make a difference, which is why I strive always to provide the very highest level of care of each and every person I see. I try to understand what each individual is dealing with. Then I start building a relationship of trust and genuine compassion. The best care and outcomes depend on both physician and patient being personally invested in making sure things are done thoroughly, conscientiously an correctly.”

Dr. Christopher Cutler

Dr. Cutler received a B.S. in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1984. He completed his gastroenterology fellowship in 1995 at Indiana University of Indianapolis. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Cutler has been practicing gastroenterology in Utah since 1995 and is experienced in all aspects of gastroenterology, digestive diseases and digestive health. He is on the staff at Alta View Hospital, Lone Peak Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “Your digestive health is a vital component of your overall health, comfort, and physical and mental well-being. Whether a patient feels perfectly healthy and visits me for a screening colonoscopy or has digestive difficulties, as a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist, I apply my extensive experience, training, and expertise and the most recent advances in my field to a thoughtful assessment and diagnosis of each individual. We will discuss “conventional” medical approaches and complementary “alternative” approaches to determine the best options for you. In many cases- as in colon disease screening with colonoscopy- early intervention and treatment can prevent the development of disease. Gastroenterology is especially rewarding because my patients benefit from my knowledge, experience, and use of the latest research and technology in this quickly-evolving medical specialty. For my patients with digestive disorders, I can prescribe a course of action which provides immediate relief, often restoring patients to symptom-free, normal lives. It is gratifying for me when, several times each day, patients say to me, “If only I had known the exam (or treatment) would be this easy, I would have made an appointment with you a long time ago.”

Dr. Steven Desautels

Dr. Steven Desautels received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Florida in 1986. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He has been participating in GI research, as well as the inpatient and outpatient practice of gastroenterology in Utah since 1997. He is highly experienced in all aspects of gastroenterology and liver disease. He is active on the staff of Alta View Hospital, Riverton Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “I became a physician for the simple reason that I wanted to do something for others, to make a difference in their lives. With disorders of the digestive tract, people’s lives are changed in a very fundamental way. Pain. Discomfort. Irregular habits. And a wide variety of symptoms that range from unpleasant and embarrassing to disruptive and debilitating. These are people who truly need help… and an improved quality of life. This is my motivation as a physician, and it’s the commitment I make to everyone in my care.”

Dr. Andrew Heiner

Dr. Heiner attended UCLA and BYU, receiving a B.S. in zoology in 1983. In 1987, he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He then completed his internal medicine training at the University of Utah and stayed here to complete his gastroenterology and has been practicing gastroenterology in Salt Lake City since 1992. He is active on the staff of Alta View Hospital, and Lone Peak Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “After nearly 20 years of practicing GI medicine, what I enjoy most is that I’m able to achieve my goal of providing meaningful help to people in need. Quite often, people are surprised that relief and improvement in significant improvement in their GI symptoms. But providing that difference means being dedicated to doing things as well as they can be done. I approach every person who puts their trust in me as I would a loved one. I pay attention to the details. I help put them at east. And I truly listen. Experience has shown me that patients will almost always tell me enough to make an accurate diagnosis, which is where medical excellence- and appropriate and successful care- begin.”

Dr. J. David Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt received his B.A. in biology from the University of Vermont in 1996. In 2000, he received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency at the Lankenau Hospital in 2004 in Wynnewood, PA, where he also served as chief medical resident. He is active on the staff of Lone Peak Hospital, Riverton Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “My goal as a physician is to provide the highest quality of care to every one of my patients. There is, of course, much that goes into achieving this objective. Skill. Knowledge. Capability. And dedication. I believe the best care is that which is delivered with a genuine compassion for each person’s individual needs, health and life. For me, this starts by listening. I need to know what’s going on, how it affects you, what your concerns and sensibilities are and all the other things that are intertwined with your gastrointestinal problems. But it’s also key to being truly present and involved in your care and to being a partner in helping you get back to what’s important: living- and enjoying- your life.”

May Marschner, PA-C

“As a PA working in Gastroenterology, my goal is to work with the doctors, medical staff, and our patients to help deliver the best care possible. I think there is a lot of overlap between GI and other areas of medicine, so while I focus on GI complaints, I still try to keep the big picture in mind for overall health and wellness. I strive to educate patients, answering their questions, and make sure they are up to date on preventative screenings, like colonoscopies. I also consult with my supervising physicians on a daily basis, and as a team; we work together to come up with individual plans for each patient. Lastly, I like to connect with our patients to make sure they are happier when they leave, than when they arrived.”

May has an undergraduate degree from Rhodes College in Memphis Tennessee, Post-Bachelor Study from University of New Orleans, in Louisiana, and a Graduate Degree from the University of Utah in Physician Assistant Studies. May is accepting new patients and can be seen at the Granite Peaks clinic at 9829 South 1300 East in Sandy, Utah.

Dress in Blue, Presidential Proclamation & Screening Day

Posted on March 7, 2014June 14, 2017 by fuelmarketing

On February 28th, 2014, President Barack Obama proclaimed March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and said, “I encourage all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer.” (Click for full Proclamation)

In an effort to raise awareness for colon cancer, today (the first Friday of March) is National Dress in Blue Day. Why Blue you ask? According to the Colon Cancer Alliance , “the nationally-recognized blue star represents the eternal memory of the people whose lives have been lost to the disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer.”

In addition to National Dress in Blue Day, March 7th, 2014 is also National Colonoscopy Screening Day! Click to watch a video to learn what a colonoscopy screening is really like. Here’s a hint: it’s much easier than you are imagining.

Colorectral cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
Your likelihood is 1 in 20 (this will vary based on family history, first degree relatives, and lifestyle)
136,000: the number of new cases of colorectal cancer each year in the U.S.
1 in 3 American adults (roughly 23 million) aren’t screened for colon cancer, as recommended.
Colon cancer is 80% curable when detected early, and most colon cancers can be prevented with appropriate screening.
Colon cancer claims more than 50,000 Americans each year.
The recommended age for a screening is 50, however, if you have a family history of colon cancer, your first screening should be 10 years before the relative was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Please call Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to get scheduled for your colonoscopy, if not for you, do it for those you love.

Phone: (801) 619-9000 or simply request an appointment by clicking here.