By SALINA POST
In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits will be available throughout March for individuals aged 45 to 75 who have not had a recent colonoscopy.
The screening kits can be picked up at participating pharmacies in Salina, Abilene, Concordia, and Lindsborg while supplies last. The test uses an advanced fecal blood test requiring only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions. Participants can mail their samples to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center for lab analysis using a pre-paid postage envelope included in the kit. Results will be shared with both the patient and their primary care physician.
There are some risk factors that you cannot change such as your age. Your risk of colorectal cancer goes up as you age. Other risk factors include having type 2 diabetes and having a family history of colorectal cancer. You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by getting to and staying at a healthy weight, limiting intake of red and processed meats and eating more fruits and vegetables. It is also important to avoid excess alcohol and get regular physical activity. If you smoke cigarettes quitting can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and many other types of cancers. And the most important thing is to know yourself, your family history, and your risks and make sure to get regular checkups and cancer screening tests.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for preventing colorectal cancer. All men and women should get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 and continue getting screened until age 75. Those with a family history of the disease should talk to their physician about screening at a younger age. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening. Screening can be done either with a test that looks for signs of cancer in a person's stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).
Pharmacies distributing the screening kits in Salina include B&K Prescription Shop, CVS Pharmacy, three Dillons Pharmacy locations, Patterson Key Rexall, Sam’s Club Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Salina Regional Health Center Pharmacy, and Salina Family Healthcare Pharmacy. Additional locations include Auburn Pharmacy, Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy, and Harvey Drug in Abilene; Auburn Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy in Concordia; and Auburn Pharmacy in Lindsborg.
The screening initiative is supported through grant funding from the Salina Charities League and the Salina Regional Health Foundation.
For more information or to request a kit by mail, contact Daniel Craig, cancer outreach coordinator at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, at (785) 452-4848 or via email at [email protected].