Colonoscopies will be offered at Bayhealth on weekends during the month of April as part of the organization’s expansion of preventative care. The goal is to help members of the community overcome common barriers like work or family obligations that may make it difficult to undergo the tests.
“Colorectal cancer is highly preventable when screening guidelines are followed,” Bayhealth Colorectal Cancer Program Director and Colorectal Surgeon Assar Rather, MD, said. “By offering colonoscopies on the weekend, we are removing barriers and making it easier for people to take an important step toward protecting their health.”
This is the second year that Bayhealth has assembled a dedicated team of clinicians, endoscopy team members and support staff to provide screening colonoscopies on a weekend. The tests are planned for April 18 and 19. The initiative reflects Bayhealth’s ongoing commitment to educating the community about the importance of regular colorectal screenings and ensuring access to care for everyone in the community.
According to Delaware Health and Human Services, Delaware ranks 30th in the United States for incidences of colorectal cancer. In 2024, almost 360 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in Delaware. Of those diagnosed, 41 percent were advanced to the regional stage and 25 percent to distance, or metastatic, stage.
“The earlier we detect cancer, the less likely it is that it has spread to other parts of the body,” Rather said. “This is why screenings are so important. If we catch a problem early, patients are more likely to have a better outcome.”
Appointments are open to community members 45 and older who are due for a routine screening colonoscopy and prefer the convenience of a weekend appointment. Patients must also meet the colorectal cancer team direct access criteria which allows eligible patients to bypass an in-office consultation prior to the procedure.
The goal is to perform 20 colonoscopies each day during the weekend screenings. Appointments are limited. Patients and community members interested in scheduling an appointment or learning more about the direct access program can contact the Colorectal Cancer Nurse Navigator Judy Giddens, LPN, 302-744-6098.
