Kansas Colon Cancer Awareness
The Endoscopy Center of Topeka is proud to join the following organizations in a statewide colon cancer awareness campaign.
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Health Promotions and Disease Prevention
- Kansas Cancer Partnership
- American Cancer Society Kansas Chapter
- Kansas Association of Gastroenterologists (KAGI)
- 15 cancer-related hospitals and clinics
Working to increase the awareness of colorectal cancer screening, the campaign occurs over a three month period of time - February through April 2011. The goal is to make Kansas number one in the country for colon cancer screening. Currently, Kansas is ranked 20th, according to data collected in 2008 from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Medical Director of the Endoscopy Center of Topeka, Shekhar Challa, M.D., initiated this partnership with the state of Kansas through the founding of the Kansas Association of Gastroenterologists (KAGI). KAGI is a professional association made up of Kansas gastroenterologists who joined together to be the leaders and experts in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer. KAGI’s mission is to increase statewide awareness on the importance of colon cancer screenings.
The three month colorectal cancer advertising campaign will use a variety of media to reach Kansas. The awareness materials will offer a Kansas specific 1-800 number for those seeking information on screening. The 1-800 number will be manned by American Cancer Society staff. Callers will be provided with valuable information about colon cancer prevention and then directed to KAGI providers for screening. Additionally, the 15 cancer hospitals and clinics will be distributing 1,000 free fecal occult blood tests (FBOT) kits to the uninsured for initial screening.