Fight Back Against Colorectal Cancer


 

 

 

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) joined the annual statewide effort organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) to raise awareness of lifesaving colorectal cancer screening during Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Staff participated in Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 1 to fight back against colorectal cancer.

 

 

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Nebraska. Incidences of colorectal cancer diagnosis and death remain higher in Nebraska compared to overall U.S. rates. Additionally, rates of colorectal cancer have increased in recent decades among individuals younger than 50. So much so that the official recommended age for colorectal cancer screening has been reduced from 50 to 45.

 

 

“Colorectal cancer screening is critical, as symptoms often only become prevalent in later stages of the disease when it’s much more difficult to fight back. It’s important for Nebraskans ages 45 and older to speak with their healthcare provider about screening as soon as possible,” said NC2 President Dr. Alan Thorson. “Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable, but you don’t know if you don’t go.”


There are safe, affordable options available for screening, including at-home test kits. SWNPHD encourages residents to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about what screening option is best for them.

 

 

 

“We want to make a difference in the lives of our community members, their families, and friends,” said Paula Wimer of SWNPHD.  “That is why we are offering free FIT Kits to Nebraska residents who are 45 to 74 years old.”  Community members can scan the QR code below to fill out the request form and have a kit mailed to them or call our office and get their at-home testing kit.  When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the five-year survival rate is as high as 90%.

 

Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) kit request form

 

FIT Kits have been found to be effective, easy to do (within 5 minutes time), there are no dietary restrictions, and no liquids or prep to take prior to the test. Simply follow the directions on the kit, then mail the kit in the enclosed envelope to the lab for testing. The test results will be mailed back to you to share with your doctor.


Enrollment forms, information about colon cancer, as well as FIT home testing kits are available through SWNPHD by calling 308-345-4223 or on our website www.swhealth.ne.gov
Additional information about the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is available by calling 1-800-532-2227 or can be found at preventionmatters.ne.gov.


SWNPHD is providing these FIT (fecal immunochemical test) kits through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. For more information call Paula at 308-345-4223 or view our website at www.swhealth.ne.gov  which contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook and Instagram. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.

 

 

 

More Resources

American Cancer Society

Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program