Good Samaritan and Area Health Centers Provide FREE Colorectal Cancer Screening March 1-31

KEARNEY— Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Nebraska. Alarmingly on the rise among younger adults, it now ranks as the leading cause of cancer death for men and women under the age of 50 across the U.S. 

Regular screenings are a powerful tool for preventing the disease with the potential to avoid 60 percent of associated deaths. Despite this, only 38% of Nebraskans ages 45-54 were screened for colorectal cancer in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society.

In response, CHI Health Good Samaritan and three area health centers are working together to provide FREE colorectal cancer screenings this March.

March 1-31, men and women ages 45 to 75 are encouraged to call Good Samaritan at 308-865-7884, or their local participating facility, weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm to request a FREE home colorectal cancer screening kit. Screening kits can also be requested online by visiting www.chihealth.com/colorectalscreening.

Screening kits will arrive by mail and include a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) along with easy-to-follow instructions for at-home collection. The FOBT can detect hidden blood in the stool–a potential sign of colorectal cancer. Completed tests, returned in the envelope provided, are then analyzed. Participants and their primary care physicians are both notified with the results.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with a visual exam of the colon and rectum (colonoscopy, CT colonography, sigmoidoscopy.) A FOBT (stool-based test) is recommended yearly. People at higher risk may need to be screened earlier and more often according to their risk factors. A colonoscopy is still the most effective way to detect colon cancer.

To request a free home screening kit, call your local participating facility:

CHI Health Good Samaritan Cancer Center, Kearney, NE, 308-865-7884

Callaway District Hospital & Medical Clinics, Callaway, NE, 308-836-2228

Community Hospital-McCook, McCook, NE, 308-344-8550

Lexington Regional Health Center, Lexington, NE, 308-324-8592

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.