Screenings & Services
Kishwaukee Community Hospital offers a wide variety of services to meet the needs of our community. Conditions Kish Hospital gastroenterologists evaluate, diagnose and treat the following:
- Diseases of the pancreas and bile duct
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Pancreatitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Colon cancer
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Celiac disease
- Hepatitis C
- Liver failure and cirrhosis
- Hepatoma (liver cancer)
American Cancer Society (ACS) Screening Guidelines
Beginning at age 50, men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should have one of the screening options below:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (colonoscopy should be performed if test results are positive)
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years (colonoscopy should be performed if test results are positive)
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years (colonoscopy should be performed if test results are positive)
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year (colonoscopy should be performed if test results are positive; the take-home multiple sample method should be used – an FOBT or FIT done during a digital rectal exam in a phyisican’s office is not an adequate screening)
The ACS screening guidelines are recommended for all people ages 50 and older that have no symptoms and are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer. Those at higher risk should begin screening at an earlier age and undergo more frequent screenings. High-risk individuals are those with a genetic predisposition for colorectal cancer, a personal or family history of the disease, certain lifestyle behaviors (i.e., poor diet, inactivity, and obesity), and/or inflammatory bowel disease. High-risk individuals should consult their physician to determine an appropriate screening schedule.
Anyone experiencing the following symptoms of colorectal cancer should see their doctor:
- change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea and constipation, lasting more than a few days
- blood in the stool
- frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
- feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- constant tiredness or weakness
- unexplained weight loss
These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. Do not hesitate to contact your physician to determine the exact cause.
Kish Hospital contracts with a variety of insurance providers, including HMO and PPO providers. Billing and insurance questions should be directed to the billing office.
