DCHD: 5,000 Free Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available

Five thousand free colon cancer test kits!

            That’s what we’re talking about, and many of them are still available.

            The Douglas County Health Department wants to remind everyone that colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught early, and a group of local agencies are offering 5,000 free colon cancer screening kits for men and women 50 years of age and older.

            The free Fecal Occult Blood Tests are available at dozens of locations in eastern Nebraska and Iowa, courtesy of the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force and the American Cancer Society, with support from the Douglas County Health Department.

            “These are potentially life-saving test kits,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “We want to make sure that everyone of them is put to use.”

            Men and women who meet income guidelines may qualify for a free colonoscopy. To learn more about this life-saving opportunity, go to www.rollintocolon.org, www.boxer500.org or www.douglascountyhealth.com .

            Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. It is the nation’s second leading cancer killer, but colon cancer is highly treatable and possibly curable if caught early.

            To participate in the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Project call 1-800-532-2227 to request a packet. or log on to download a form at www.dhhs.ne.gov/crc/.