What is the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program? >The Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program is a new program. The goals of the program are to: Educate Nebraskans about the need for colon and rectal cancer screening. Decrease the number of Nebraskans who develop colon and rectal cancers through preventive screening. Provide appropriate education and/or colon and rectal cancer screening tests to Nebraskans who are under or uninsured ^ top of page How do you enroll? Any man or women, over 50 years of age and older and who meet income guidelines, is eligible to fill out the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Enrollment Form.  If you are already enrolled in  in Every Woman Matters, you will receive information about the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program with your eligibility notification letter. If you are not enrolled in Every Woman Matters but would like to receive information, please visit the Every Woman Matters page or contact us at 800-532-2227. ^ top of page Recommended Screening Guidelines The following are recommendations for those 50 years of age and older.  The recommendations are to use one or a combination of the following tests for persons at average risk: Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every year Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years Colonoscopy every 10 years Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) every 5-10 years Services Provided by the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program Review of health history and education about colon and rectal cancer screening. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) annually if determined to be the best screening test based on your health history. Colonoscopy as initial screening test if determined to be the best screening test based on your health history. Colonoscopy following a positive Fecal Occult Blood Test ^ top of page

Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms Colon cancer often starts with no symptoms. The exact cause of most colon cancers is not known, however research says that approximately 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors.  Risk factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer include: A family history of colon or rectal polyps or colorectal cancer, or Inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) Genetic syndromes Colon cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first.  If symptoms are present, they may include: Blood in or on the stool A change in bowel habits Stools that are narrower than usual General, unexplained stomach discomfort Frequent gas, pains, or indigestion Unexplained weight loss Chronic fatigue These symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions.  If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your health care provider.  Only your health care provider, through testing, can determine why you’re having these symptoms ^ top of page

Colon Cancer Prevention Did you know that you can stop this cancer before it starts? Screening saves lives.  Having regular screening tests beginning at age 50 could save your life.  Colon cancers almost always develop from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum.  Screening tests find polyps, so they can be removed before they change into cancer.  Screening tests find colon cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high. The most effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is by having colon cancer screening tests beginning at age 50. There are seven steps to lowering your risk of colon cancer: Get regular colon cancer screening tests beginning at age 50. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans. Eat a low-fat diet. Eat foods with folate such as leafy green vegetables. A daily multivitamin containing .4 mg of folic acid may also be helpful. If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. If you use tobacco, quit.  If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing steps may help reduce your risk. ^ top of page

Questions and Answers Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.  Several tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancer.  These tests are used alone or in combination with each other. What is a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)? What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? What is a Colonoscopy? What is a Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)? Other Client Questions about the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program ^ top of page

Resources American Cancer Society Nebraska CARES (Cancer Awareness, Research, Education, and Service) Other resources ^ top of page

For more information, contact:
Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program
301 Centennial Mall South, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 94817
Lincoln, NE 68509-4817
In Lincoln:  (402) 471-0929
Outside Lincoln:  (800) 532-2227
Fax: (402) 471-0913 or (402) 742-2379
TDD: (800) 833-7352
E-mail: NCP@dhhs.ne.gov

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