DHHS encourages colon cancer screenings during awareness month
Free at-home test kits available for eligible Nebraska residents age 45 and older
Colon Cancer Awareness Month, DHHS.
LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging residents age 45 and older to get screened for colon cancer during Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March.
Health officials say both men and women over 45 are at increased risk, and regular preventive screenings can help detect the disease early and save lives.
As part of the awareness campaign, the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program is offering free Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits that allow people to screen for colon cancer at home. Officials say the kits are effective, easy to complete and take about five minutes. The test does not require dietary restrictions, liquids or preparation beforehand.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
In Nebraska, the colon cancer incidence rate is 42.5 cases per 100,000 males and 33.1 cases per 100,000 females.
“Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable through screening and early detection,” said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, chief medical officer for DHHS. “More Nebraskans are receiving colon cancer screenings than in years past, but we still have more progress to make and more lives to save. I encourage all Nebraskans over the age of 45 to get screened.”
Residents can request a free at-home FIT kit through the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program. More information is available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.