(KLZA)--March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and The Southeast District Health Department encourages adults over age 50 to get screened as well as offering free screening kits.

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States that affect both men and women.  However, it does not have to be. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.  Screening can find precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before turning into cancer.

When found early, treatment often leads to a cure.  According to information from the Southeast District Health Department, about nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later. 

Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and 
ethnic groups and is most often found in people aged 50 years or
older. 

Those younger than 50 who think they might be at higher than 
average risk for colorectal cancer, should speak with your 
doctor about getting screened. 

Southeast District Health Department is offering free Fecal 
Occult Blood Test kits to anyone age 50 to 75 at distribution sites 
in Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson and Otoe Counties.

To find out where to get your free FOBT kit, contact
Southeast District Health Department toll free at 877-
777-0424 or check out their website www.sedhd.org.