Robyn Paulsen, Surgical Services Manager at Lakes Regional Healthcare, spoke to Rotary about colonoscopies and surgical services changes during the noon meeting on Wednesday, December 1.
 
Robyn discussed the importance of colonoscopies in the detection of colon cancer and esophageal cancer. She shared handouts with the club that showed the improvements in the new digital scopes and their level of detection.

Some stats Robyn shared with the club include:
- Men have esophageal cancer at rates three times greater than women do, primarily due to men's greater use of tobacco and alcohol. People older than 65 have the greatest risk for cancer of the esophagus. Less than 15% of people diagnozed are younger than 55.
- Risk factors for esophageal cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, esophageal conditions like long-standing reflux or people with Barrett esophagus, and diet.
- Most people diagnozed with colorectal cancer do not have symptoms until the disease has spread, which is why screening is citial. Symptoms include a chance in bowel habits, blood in stool, diarrhea or constipation or feeling that bowel does not empty completely, stools that are narrower than normal, general abdominal discomfort, weight loss with no reason, constant tiredness or anemia without and identified cause, or unusual or persistent vomiting.
- Risk factors for colorectal cancer include being over 50, a family history of cancer of the colon or colon polyps, personal history of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, inherited conditions, and smoking, alcohol use and diet high in red meat.
- Colorectal cancer is the 2nd most common cancer-killer in the US for men and women

Robyn also shared some recent changes with the surgical department like the expansion of the waiting area, addition of wireless access and asthetic natural healing environment changes.