Good Samaritan and Area Hospitals Host FREE Colorectal Cancer Screening March 16-31

KEARNEY— Colorectal cancer, the second deadliest cancer in Nebraska, is on the rise in younger adults. It has moved up from being the fourth leading cause of cancer death in both men and women under age 50 two decades ago, to first in men and second in women. Yet, only 38% of Nebraskans ages 45-54 years were screened for colorectal cancer in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Regular colorectal cancer screenings are one of the most powerful tools for preventing the disease. That’s why CHI Health Good Samaritan and three area hospitals have joined forces during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to offer FREE colorectal cancer screenings.

March 16-31, men and women ages 45 to 75 are encouraged to call Good Samaritan at 308-865-7884, or their local participating facility, weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm to request a FREE home screening kit. Screening kits can also be requested online by visiting www.chihealth.com/colorectalscreening.

Screening kits will arrive by mail and include a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) along with easy-to-follow instructions for at-home collection. The FOBT can detect hidden blood in the stool–a potential sign of colorectal cancer. Completed tests, returned in the envelope provided, are then analyzed. Participants and their primary care physicians are both notified with the results.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with a visual exam of the colon and rectum (colonoscopy, CT colonography, sigmoidoscopy.) A FOBT (stool-based test) is recommended yearly. People at higher risk may need to be screened earlier and more often according to their risk factors. A colonoscopy is still the most effective way to detect colon cancer.

To request a free home screening kit, call your local participating facility:

CHI Health Good Samaritan Cancer Center, Kearney, NE, 308-865-7884

Callaway District Hospital, Callaway, NE, 308-836-2228

Community Hospital-McCook, McCook, NE, 308-344-8550

Lexington Regional Health Center, Lexington, NE, 308-324-8592

Facts about colorectal cancer from Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) www.necancer.org/Colorectal-Cancer

NC2 is a nonprofit organization that connects people and resources to strengthen cancer prevention, detection and quality of life in all 93 counties of Nebraska.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in Nebraska and our state ranks 34th in screening rates

In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 940 new cases in Nebraska.

In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 360 deaths in Nebraska.

Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in Nebraska when compared to overall U.S. rates.

In 2022, 35.9% of eligible Nebraskans were NOT up to date on screening, which increased from 27.5% in 2020. 

Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms until it has grown or spread. Screening can help find colorectal cancer before symptoms appear. 

Of all cancer deaths in people under 50, colorectal is now number one in men and number two in women.

Lowering the recommended age for lifesaving colorectal cancer screening makes it available to more Nebraskans, increasing prevention and early detection.

Colorectal cancer is on the rise among young adults and among those who are too young to begin screening.

Colorectal cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer-related death among 20-49-year-olds by 2030.

Up to 30% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease, which is why they should start screening early. Young people with a family history should have a conversation with their health care provider about when to start screening.

Two thirds of young adults’ experience symptoms of colorectal cancer for many months before being diagnosed.