Statistics say colorectal cancer is the third-most-common cancer found in both men and women. But fortunately, colorectal cancer found early is often highly curable.
In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits are being made available to anyone age 45 to 75. The screening is recommended for those who have not had a recent colonoscopy. The kits can be picked up at all Salina and Lindsborg pharmacies, the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and Salina Family Healthcare Center while supplies last. A grant from the Salina Charities League is helping to underwrite the screening.
The screening uses an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions. The samples can then be mailed to Tammy Walker Cancer Center for lab analysis via a pre-paid postage envelope provided. To save money on postage, participants also are welcome to return the tests in person to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, 511 S. Santa Fe Ave. Results of the test will be mailed to both the patient and their primary care physician. Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 15.
Health officials recommend all men and women have a colonoscopy at age 50 to screen for colorectal cancer. Between colonoscopies patients can screen with a fecal blood test. Other tests may also be recommended by your physician. Those with a family history of the disease should consider screening at a younger age. African Americans are also known to be at an increased risk for colorectal cancer.