SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Regional West Community Health in partnership with the Scotts Bluff County Health Department will give away free colon cancer screening kits during March.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) are available free of charge to Scotts Bluff County residents ages 50-75 and persons with a close relative that has had colon cancer. This early detection may prevent polyps from becoming cancerous and may jumpstart early treatment, when it is most effective.

“One in 20 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer. It’s a scary statistic and it’s one of the reasons why we are offering free colon cancer screening kits during the month of March as a part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month,” said Deb Keener, RN, Colon Cancer Program Nurse.

Enrollment forms, information about colon cancer as well as Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) home testing kits are available by contacting Keener at 308-630-1580.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, and Nebraska ranks 41st for screening rates. When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the five-year survival rate is 85-90 percent.

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, Regional West Physicians Clinic and Regional West Garden County. These organizations, with over 1,900 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, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.