HEALTHY PEOPLE IN HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

PROMOTE

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Nebraska Cancer Coalition’s awareness campaign, “You’ve Got Guts – Kick it in the Butt!” encourages Nebraskans to prioritize their health and get screened for colorectal cancer, the second leading cancer killer in our state.

● 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.

PREVENT

Screening can help prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early.  Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early.

● Current guidelines recommend that all men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer get screened, beginning at age 45.

● Of all cancer deaths in people under 50 in the United States, colorectal is number one in men and number two in women.

● In Nebraska, only 38% of 45–54-year-olds report being up to date with colorectal cancer screening.

● The stage of disease at diagnosis strongly affects the outcome for colorectal cancer patients. The most recent data for Nebraska indicates that the 5-year relative survival rates for colorectal cancer are 92%for early-stage diagnoses, while rates for advanced-stage cases fall to 77% for regional diagnoses and 15% for distant diagnoses.

● Three in five people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are now being diagnosed with advanced stage colorectal cancer.

PROTECT

 It is important to know the factors that put some Nebraskans at greater risk of developing colorectal cancer.

● More than half (55%) of all colorectal cancer is related to lifestyle factors, such as an unhealthy diet, not enough physical activity, high alcohol consumption, and smoking.

● Women and men over the age of 45 are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, and the risk increases with age.

● The strongest risk factor for colorectal cancer is a family history of the disease. Those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who have been diagnosed with colorectal have a 2 to 4 times the risk of developing the disease compared to those without a family history, with a higher risk when diagnosis is before 50 and when multiple relatives are affected.

● Many people have a limited understanding of their family history and should talk to their healthcare provider to see if they are at greater risk for colorectal cancer.

 For more information on Colorectal Cancer, including screening options, contact your health care provider or visit our website: southheartlandhealth.ne.gov

 Source: Nebraska Cancer Coalition