GASTROENTEROLOGY
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KMC Gastroenterology | Endoscopy Center | Research Center
2200 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66606
P: 785-354-8518 F: 785-354-1255
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING
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Over 45? Its time to get a colonoscopy.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US.
Why Colonoscopy Is The Gold Standard
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This procedure is commonly performed for evaluation of abnormal radiographic studies, removal of polyps, assessment of bleeding and screening for colon cancer. Colonoscopy screening is considered to be the “gold standard,” or the most effective colorectal cancer screening test.
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This test is usually done every 10 years. You should have a colonoscopy screening for colon cancer if you are over the age of 45. For those with a family history of colon cancer, rectal cancer, or polyps, screening should begin at age 40.
Colonoscopy is also indicated for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, GI hemorrhage, polyp removal, screening for colon cancer and evaluation of abnormal x-rays of the GI tract.
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CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis are useful but do not always provide sufficient information about the colon itself. CT scans are not a good test for looking at tubular structures. They are, however, excellent tests for looking at structures surrounding the colon and intestines.
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Colon cancer is 90% preventable and 90% treatable.
Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in men and women.
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Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.
If you have symptoms, they may include:
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Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
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Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
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Losing weight and you don’t know why.
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For more information colon cancer and your colonoscopy procedure click here.
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DIGESTIVE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT AHEAD OF THE CURVE…
Each year our gastroenterologists perform thousands of endoscopic procedures, and we are proud to be the first medical group to bring many new technologies to the Topeka healthcare community.
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Since 1987, the physicians and staff at KMC Gastroenterology have been committed to providing the highest quality of digestive medical care. Our gastroenterologists diagnose and treat thousands of patients each year with a wide range of challenging problems including but not limited to:
Abdominal Pain
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Heartburn
Celiac Disease
Hemorrhoids
Barrett’s Esophagus
Diarrhea
Constipation
Crohn’s Disease
Nausea and Vomiting
Ulcerative Colitis
Digestive Disorders
Lactose Intolerance
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Diverticular Disease
Hepatitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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Learn more about our Gastroenterology Clinical Trials
Advanced Practice Clinicians:
APRNs and PAs. When most people go to the doctor, they assume they’re going to see an MD, but that’s actually just one of the many kinds of medical professionals who can help you stay healthy.
Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) are an integral part of our healthcare teams and have a track record of delivering high-quality specialty care. They consist of physician assistants (PA) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). Both PAs and APRNs provide high-quality specialty care for our patients. Similar to physicians, both require advanced clinical training and education beyond their initial medical training.
What is the difference between a physician assistant (PA) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)?
The most significant difference between a PA and an APRN is in their educational preparation.
A PA attends an intense, graduate-level program with many of the same courses taken by physicians and receives a master’s degree. Physician assistants follow a disease-centered model, in which they focus on the biologic and pathologic components of health, and also practice assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
An APRN is a registered nurse who attends graduate-level, advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. APRNs follow a patient-centered model, in which they focus on disease prevention and health education and handle assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. APRNs either have a master’s or doctoral degree.
What our APRNs and PAs want you to know:
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• We are educated and qualified to care for your health. PAs and APRNs receive years of additional training after their
undergraduate education, including a masters or doctoral degree. PAs and APRNs practice under the rules and regulations of
the state and are board-certified licensed healthcare professionals.
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• We can provide for your healthcare needs. In most cases, PAs and APRNs can exclusively provide for your healthcare needs. We
can prescribe medication, order blood work and perform biopsies and procedures in the clinic.
• We know our limits. We understand the level of care we are able to provide and work in sync with physicians when more
advanced or surgical care is needed. We won’t hesitate to seek additional support from physicians when the need arises.
• You can call us by our first name. Many patients want to be respectful, but don’t know how to address us. We are not doctors,
so calling us “Doctor” isn’t appropriate. We are comfortable with being addressed by our first name, or “Mr. or Ms.