This killer can be stopped

There's a killer that claims 50,000 Americans every year, as many as were killed in Vietnam, yet the chance of it being defeated is 90 percent, if stopped early enough.

Every year, about 140,000 of us are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it's the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Colon cancers almost always develop from precancerous polyps, and 60 percent of deaths from colon cancer could be preventedf through regular screenings.

"Colon cancer is 90 percent curable if it is found early," said Bev Powers, public health nurse for the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department. During March's Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the department is urging regular screening for those 50 or older:

* Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every year to detect blood in the stool.

* Colonscopy every ten years to find polyps.

* Have polyps removed to prevent cancer from starting or spreading.

Hemoccult Colon Screening kits are available at Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department for three dollars ($3) per kit. Stop at the office located at 404 West 10th Street, one block north of Arby's to pick up your kit and then return it to our office for testing.

"Everyone can make changes in their lifestyle to prevent colorectal cancer," explains Melissa Propp, Public Health Nurse. "Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber; get active, drink in moderation and if you smoke, quit."

SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Perkins and Red Willow counties. Call 308-345-4223 for more information. SWNPHD is located at 404 West 10th (one block north of Arby's) in McCook. More information can also be found on Facebook or Twitter and its website at www.swhealth.ne.gov.