Close

Colon Cancer

Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) offers a limited supply of free Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits for men and women ages 45-74. These kits can be completed in the comfort of your home. Kits can be picked up at our main office located at 2400 N Lincoln Ave, Fremont, NE. Supplies are limited so please call 402-727-5396 first to verify availability.

According to the 3RPHD 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment, from 2013-2017 there were a total of 89 deaths due to colon cancer in the 3RPHD district. Nebraska had a total of 1,652 total deaths due to colon cancer in this same time frame. Colon cancer will strike 1 in 20 and both men and women are at equal risk. People with a family history of colon cancer are at higher risk and should begin screening at a younger age. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, if it is found early.

Risk factors you cannot change:

  • Age: your risk gets higher as you get older
  • Having had colorectal cancer or certain kinds of polyps before
  • Having a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • Race or ethnic background, such as being African American or Ashkenazi
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Certain family syndromes, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome)

Risk factors linked to things you do:

  • Some lifestyle-related factors have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
  • Certain types of diets: one that is high in red meats (beef, lamb, or liver) and processed meats (like hot dogs, bologna, and lunch meat) can increase your colorectal cancer risk.
  • Cooking meats at very high heat (frying, broiling, or grilling) can create chemicals that might increase cancer risk.
  • Lack of exercise
  • Being very overweight (or obese)
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use

Symptoms may include:

  • Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
  • Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
  • Losing weight and you don’t know why

There are many options for colon cancer screening. Talk with your doctor to figure out which screening option is best for you.

Informational Pamphlets

Additional Resources:

Our Mission

 

Three Rivers Public Health Department's Mission is to empower and educate families while promoting healthy living for the improvement of our communities.

Our Vision

 

Three Rivers Public Health Department's Vision is that in cooperation with our communities, we will always be compassionate and respectful in all of our public health endeavors.

Three Rivers Public Health Department

Serving Dodge, Saunders & Washington Counties in Eastern Nebraska

2400 North Lincoln Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025   •   402-727-5396   •   1-866-727-5396   •   [email protected]

copyright © 2024 Three Rivers Public Health Department   •   Admin