Free Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available Throughout March
publish date: Tuesday, January 12, 2016
FREMONT, NE –Colorectal cancer – cancer of the colon or rectum – is a disease that affects both men and women and is preventable nearly 90 percent of the time.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and in an effort to increase awareness regarding the importance of early detection and prevention of the disease, Fremont Health, Three Rivers Public Health Department, and the American Cancer Society are providing free, at-home colon cancer screening kits.
Screening for colorectal cancer allows for the early detection of cancer when it is highly curable, as well as the detection of growths (polyps) that might eventually become cancer. While the best method of screening for colorectal cancer is to have a screening colonoscopy, another method – the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – can also be used to find hidden blood in the stool caused by damage to fragile blood vessels at the surface of polyps or cancers. Only rarely is there enough bleeding to color the stool red. Free take-home FOBT screening kits will be available at all Fremont pharmacies March 1 through March 31. After taking stool samples at home, the kit is mailed to FAMC’s Laboratory for at no charge. Results will be sent to the patient and his/her healthcare provider. Coupons for free FOBT screening kits will also be available at local senior centers and other area locations.
For a full listing of coupon locations or for more information, please fcall 402-727-5396. To redeem a coupon, bring it into either Three Rivers Public Health Department location. In Fremont: 2400 North Lincoln Avenue. In Wahoo: 739 W 10th Street, Suite B. Regular screenings should begin at age 50. Individuals who have a personal or family history of colon cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease may need to be tested earlier, and should discuss it with their healthcare provider. If you’ve had a normal colonoscopy within the last three years, check with your physician about whether this test is appropriate for you.
To reduce your risk of colon cancer get screened beginning at age 50 (or sooner if you are at higher risk), maintain a healthy weight throughout life, adopt a physically active lifestyle, eat a healthy diet, don’t use tobacco products, and limit alcohol intake.
For more information about colorectal and other forms of cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
View full press release here.