Salina Regional Health Center
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, the Tammy Walker Cancer Center at Salina Regional Health Center is leading an initiative to provide 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits to anyone ages 45 to 75.
The screening is recommended for those who have not had a recent colonoscopy. Kits can be picked up at all Salina, Abilene, Concordia, Minneapolis and Lindsborg pharmacies while supplies last.
“The screening uses an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions,” said Daniel Craig, cancer outreach coordinator at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. “Once completed, the samples can then be mailed to the Cancer Center for lab analysis using a pre-paid postage envelope provided. Results of the test will be returned to both the patient and their primary care physician.”
Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 30. Health officials recommend all men and women have a colonoscopy at age 45 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.
Pharmacies distributing the screening kits include:
Salina
B&K Prescription Shop, CVS Pharmacy, Dillons Pharmacy-Crawford Street, Dillons Pharmacy-Planet Avenue, Dillons Pharmacy-Cloud Street, Patterson Key Rexall, Sam's Club Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Salina Regional Health Center Pharmacy and Salina Family Healthcare Pharmacy.
Abilene
Auburn Pharmacy, Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy and Harvey Drug.
Concordia
Auburn Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy.
Minneapolis
Auburn Pharmacy.
Lindsborg
Auburn Pharmacy.
The screening kits also can be picked up at the Saline County Health Department. Grant funding from the Salina Charities League and Salina Regional Health Foundation is helping to underwrite the screening.
For more information about the free colorectal cancer screening kits contact Daniel Craig by calling (785) 452-4848 or email dacraig@srhc.com. Kits can also be mailed to interested participants by contacting Craig.