Early and often screening for colorectal cancers is key to successful treatment.
Preventative health screenings are key to staying healthy. Screening can detect colon cancer 2-3 YEARS before you experience symptoms. Colon cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first. If symptoms are present, they may include:
- Blood in or on the stool
- A change in bowel habits
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- General, unexplained stomach discomfort
- Frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic fatigue
These symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions. If you have any of the symptoms, discuss them with your health care provider. Only your health care provider can determine the cause of these symptoms
through testing.
Colorectal cancers are the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but the good news is that complications can be prevented by screening regularly to catch and treat it early. Testing early is important because colon cancer can develop without any noticeable signs or symptoms. The good news is that 9 out of 10 people can be cured with early detection. There are multiple safe, affordable options available for screening, including free, at-home test kits available here in the Nebraska Panhandle. Individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about screening.
In 2021 the United States Preventative Services Task Force released updates to the recommended screening ages. Adults at average risk for colon cancers are now recommended to begin screening at age 45. The Task Force recommends that anyone 75-85 talk to their doctor about screening. Anyone age 45-74 living in the Nebraska Panhandle is now eligible to receive the free at-home FIT screening test.
Panhandle Public Health District is pleased to announce that new and improved FIT colon cancer test kits are available to residents ages 45 - 74 through the Panhandle Cancer Coalition and the Nebraska Colon Cancer Program at no cost. The OC-Light fecal occult blood test is useful for the determination of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, found in several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, e.g., diverticulitis, colitis, polyps, and colorectal cancer. The FIT kit is a simple one-sample test you can do at home. There are no dietary restrictions. Just collect one sample and mail it within 48 hours. You'll get your results within 4-6 weeks.
Take Charge
Contact your health care provider to start a conversation about colon cancer screening. Or, if you are behind or have not yet begun screening for colorectal cancers and are between the ages of 45-74, we can help. There are multiple safe, affordable options available for screening, including free, at-home test kits available at no cost from PPHD. You have the power to stop colon cancer. Get screened today.
What's your poo telling you? Find out today. Don't get behind on you
r screenings!
To receive your FIT kit, please complete the online form here:
You can also call to request your FIT test:
If you live in any Panhandle County
call Cheri Farris at (308) 220-8020
or email cfarris@pphd.ne.gov
OR scan the QR code to register online.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.
Colon Cancer Overview
| Symptoms | Blood in stool, change in bowel habits, weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue, belly cramps, excess gas, constipation, diarrhea |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy |
| Prevention | Regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon which can sometimes be cancerous |
| Risk Factors | Health history, inflammatory bowel disease, personal or family history of colorectal cancer, genetic syndromes |
| Screening Recommendations | Adults age 45 to 75 should be screened, and people older than 75 should talk to their doctor about screening Screening Recommendations |
