For the first time, Mayo Clinic will live stream a medical procedure
In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, Mayo Clinic will live stream a colonoscopy next week on Periscope.
It will be the clinic's first-ever live broadcast of a medical procedure.
The patient will be Lee Aase, director of the Mayo Clinic Social Media Network. During the procedure, Mayo professionals will provide commentary and interact with the public on Twitter using the hashtag #ScopeScope.
According to a news release from the clinic, the broadcast is part of its ongoing collaboration with Fight Colorectal Cancer, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit working to find a cure for the disease.
Past promotions included live patients events, social media campaigns and a music video featuring country singer Craig Campbell.
"As we discussed plans for our 2016 promotion, I received a reminder for my colonoscopy, so we decided to take this opportunity to demystify the process by live-streaming the procedure on Periscope," said Aase.
About 50,000 Americans die from colorectal cancer each year, making it the second leading cause of cancers deaths in the U.S. However, it is highly treatable if found in its early stages, says the American Cancer Society.
According to Mayo, the average person should consider screening beginning at 50. People with an increased risk, like those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.
Want to skip the trip to the doctor? Last year, the clinic began administering a new colon test that allows patients to take the screening at home.
The live broadcast is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. CST.
Featured content:
(Cover graphic: Pixabay / The Med City Beat)
