#DressInBlueNE Effort Raises Awareness of Colon Cancer Screening
The Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force has teamed up with the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) and several area health organizations to heighten awareness of lifesaving colon cancer screening during Colon Cancer Awareness Month and Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 4.
Incidences of colon cancer diagnosis and death remain higher in Nebraska compared to overall U.S. rates. Additionally, rates of colon cancer have increased in recent decades among individuals younger than 50. So much so that the official recommended age for colon cancer screening was recently reduced from 50 to 45.
Dr. Josh Evans
“Colon cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer in the U.S. The reduction in the screening age recommendation to age 45 was a vital move to reduce barriers to screening and save more lives,” said Dr. Josh Evans, president of the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force.
While Colon Cancer Awareness Month occurs every March, Dr. Evans says this year is significant. He encourages Omaha residents to participate in the statewide effort by wearing blue March 4 and committing to having conversations with family members and health care providers about colon cancer screening.
“We are thankful for the organizations and individuals who have already pledged support during Colon Cancer Awareness Month and Dress in Blue Day on March 4. Over the past two years, we’ve seen the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affect screening and early diagnosis of colon cancer. Any action to heighten awareness of screening and prevention is crucial to fight back against colon cancer and save lives,” said Dr. Evans.
There are multiple safe, affordable options available for screening, including at-home test kits. Individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about screening. Additionally, anyone wanting to support the statewide awareness effort is invited to wear blue on Friday, March 4, and share on social media platforms using the hashtags #DressInBlueNE and #FightBackNE.
“Colon cancer screening is critical, as symptoms often only become prevalent in later stages of the disease
when it’s much more difficult to fight back. It’s important for Nebraskans ages 45 and older to speak with their health care provider about screening as soon as possible, especially those who have postponed appointments because of the pandemic,” said Nebraska Cancer Coalition President Dr. Alan Thorson. “Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable, but you don’t know if you don’t go.”
Nebraska residents ages 45-75 years old who meet certain income guidelines may be eligible for low-cost colon cancer screening. For more information, visit the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program website or call (800) 532-2227. Additional information for free, at-home test kits can be found by visiting https://www.coloncancertaskforce.org/pickup-locations.
About Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force
The Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force is dedicated to increasing the number of lives saved from colon cancer through education, early detection and prevention. The nonprofit organization was formed in 1999 and collaborates with health organizations, businesses, colon cancer survivors, and volunteers throughout the community who are engaged in a comprehensive effort to get the community talking about colon cancer and provide free colon cancer screenings and resources.