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To beat colorectal cancer, it requires a team effort.
That’s why Horizon Health Care is partnering with the Horizon Health Foundation during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March for the second year in a row.
To raise public awareness, we’re taking part in Wear Blue Day on March 6th! We’re honored to show our support as well as spread the word for the need of treating colorectal cancer.
High Need for Treating Colorectal Cancer in South Dakota
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women. In fact, in South Dakota alone there are more than 430 new cases diagnosed each year.
With the high need for treatment, growing awareness and funding for colorectal cancer health services are required. That’s why the partnership between Horizon Health Care and the Horizon Health Foundation includes three key initiatives to support an increased need for preventive screenings for patients.
Our 3 Partnership Initiatives
1. Mailed FIT Kits Horizon Health Care teams identify patients who are a candidate for FIT screening, and the Horizon Health Foundation assists with the kit purchase and mailing expenses. In February, Horizon mailed over 300 FIT kits to patients who were not screened for colorectal cancer.
2. Free FIT Testing All patients who return their FIT kit during the month of March can do so at no cost thanks to support from donors of the Horizon Health Foundation Cancer Care Fund. This includes patients who receive a mailed FIT kit or anyone who receives them at the clinic during an appointment.
3. Follow-Up Colonoscopies Each year, the Horizon Health Foundation assists several patients with access to a follow-up colonoscopy. This would not be possible without the generous support from the Horizon Health Foundation donors.
In 2019, three patients received a colonoscopy with Foundation donor funds and additional patients were assisted with gas cards and hotel stays to complete their screening. In 2020, our goal is to raise funds to assist 5 patients with access to a life-saving colonoscopy.
Past patients who have benefited from Horizon’s support include Dave Hodges and Say Wah. We encourage you to learn more about their individual experiences with colonoscopy procedures and how Horizon Health Foundation donors have made an impact on their lives.
Be in the Know if You’re At Risk for Colorectal Cancer
The best way to reduce risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men and women over the age of 50 should be screened for colorectal cancer.
The primary screening methods include:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool based FIT Test
- Stool based FIT and DNA Test (Cologuard)
If findings from these screenings lead to a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, you have a full team of support backing you up at Horizon. Primary health providers, nurses and teams at Horizon Health Care work each day to ensure patients receive important cancer screenings.
Take Action by Wearing Blue & Booking a Wellness Exam!
We welcome you to wear blue along with our teams on Wear Blue Day and encourage your loved ones to get screened! Also, you can give the gift of health during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by donating to the Horizon Health Foundation.
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is by knowing your risk. Attend a routine wellness exam to see if you are in need of a screenings. Schedule your routine wellness exam today!
Find a Horizon Health Care clinic location near you, and reach out to book an appointment.