SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Scottsbluff County residents ages 50-75 are eligible for free colon cancer screening kits through Regional West Medical Center and Scotts Bluff County Health Department. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, following prostate, female breast, and lung and bronchus cancers. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. Colon cancer claims the lives of about 52,000 men and women each year.

“We want to make a difference in the lives of our community members, their families and friends,” said Bill Wineman, Director of Scotts Bluff County Health Department. That is why we are offering free Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits during the month of March as a part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Community members can call and get their at-home testing kit. When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the five-year survival rate is 85-90 percent.”

“Colon cancer occurs more often in Nebraska than in the rest of the United States," said Dr. Joseph Acierno, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “More Nebraskans are receiving colon cancer screenings than ever before which is encouraging, but the state’s colon cancer incidence rate is 44.3 per 100,000 which is higher than the national rate of 39.7. There’s still more progress to be made and more lives to be saved.”

Enrollment forms, information about colon cancer as well as Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) home testing kits are available by contacting Deb Keener, RN, Colon Cancer Program Nurse with Regional West Medical Center and the Scotts Bluff County Health Department at 308-630-1580.

Additional information about the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is available from the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program at 1-800-532-2227 or www.dhhs.ne.gov/crc.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.