Doctor brings passion for early detection of colon cancer

By Melissa Grych

White Rock Medical Group welcomes Sowjanya Kanna, MD (pictured), board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, who is now caring for patients at the group’s clinic in East Dallas.

Dr. Kanna provides comprehensive medical care for the gut, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, rectum and small intestines. This includes management of chronic diseases and conditions, such as GERD and reflux conditions, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and liver conditions.

“The gastrointestinal tract is complex and extensive. I want to share my comprehensive experience with compassion and attention to the details, focused on wellness and health,” she said. 

Dr. Kanna added that diet and lifestyle are integral to gut health and so her practice also focuses on care of nutritional problems and conditions, such as gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease. 

She currently practices at White Rock Medical Group’s clinic on the campus of White Rock Medical Center. Dr. Kanna is especially passionate about the importance of screenings for early detection of colorectal cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends that people with an average risk of colorectal cancer start screening at age 45. Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years. There are also now new options such as stool-based screenings that can done more frequently, depending on an individual’s risk factors.

“Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. If found early, colorectal cancer can be treated with more success. Survival rates are much higher with early detection through screenings, such as a colonoscopy,” Dr. Kanna said. “Preventive care is a critical cornerstone to healthy living.”

Dr. Kanna also brings experience with the unique needs of women’s GI care that requires special expertise and often partnership with other medical specialties, such as the physical therapy and obstetrical experts at White Rock Medical Center. 

“The GI health of women can be impacted by multiple factors, such as age, hormones, anatomical changes and pelvic health. These GI problems can be related to weak pelvic floor or lower abdominal and pelvic floor diseases, such as incontinence, poor control of bowel function or chronic constipation,” she explained.

“I’m passionate about women’s special care needs and eager to help my patients find solutions to improve their quality of life.”

Dr. Kanna earned her medical degree from Kurnool Medical College. She was an internal medicine pediatric resident and spent a year as chief resident at Case Western Reserve University. She completed gastroenterology and hepatology training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. 

She most recently served as core faculty and director of GI Quality and Health Equity at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Previously, she served as an assistant professor of medicine with Drexel University in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Allegheny General Hospital.